Kathmandu. Some time ago, bulldozers started running on the squatter settlements in Kathmandu, after which the squatters living in most parts of the country have become terrified.

The Supreme Court (SC) has issued an interim order not to evict the landless landless squatters even though the Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) has issued a notice to evict the structures constructed by encroaching on government and public land. However, protests are going on in different parts of the country.

According to the latest data of the National Land Commission, Kaski, there are a total of 19,634 households in Pokhara Metropolitan City as landless, Dalit squatters and unsystematic settlers. As many as 475 households are residing in Prithivichowk Bus Park area of Pokhara Metropolitan City-9.

The landless squatters in different parts of Pokhara have taken a stand that they will not vacate their place under any circumstances until alternative arrangements are made.

According to history, 205 ropanis of land was acquired in 2032 BS for the construction of Prithvi Chowk Bus Park. Since then, the squatters have started settling in the area. According to the KMC’s report, the land acquired as per the Pokhara Town Plan (2030 BS) and the Pokhara Valley Master Plan (2031 BS) has shrunk to around 50 to 81 ropanis of land due to encroachment, compensation distribution and road expansion. See the rest of the image: