Bulldozers Clearing the Way for a Cleaner Kathmandu

In a significant operation for beautification and environmental conservation, Nepal's federal government, alongside Kathmandu Metropolitan City, dismantled over 1,200 illegal structures along the Bagmati and Manahara rivers. The drive, which aims to restore riverbanks, involves relocating landless squatters and providing them temporary facilities in Kirtipur and Dasharath Stadium.

Nepal's government, in a coordinated effort with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, demolished over 1,200 structures illegally built along the Bagmati and Manahara rivers' banks. This unprecedented action took place under tight security, involving police forces from various departments, as efforts for beautification and ecological restoration took priority this weekend.

The demolition drive, conducted over Saturday and Sunday, saw the clearing of structures in Thapathali, Gairigaun, Sinamangal, and Mahara areas. A further 380 structures are slated for demolition in the coming days. To accommodate displaced landless squatters, the government has arranged temporary housing, food, and health services in Kirtipur and Dasharath Stadium, emphasizing a compassionate approach to urban development.

Past efforts for such clearances by former Kathmandu mayor, now Prime Minister Balendra Shah 'Balen,' failed due to lack of governmental cooperation. This recent initiative marks a pivotal moment in the joint effort to revive Kathmandu's environmental and aesthetic integrity, promising a cleaner city for its residents.