Kathmandu, April 27
The government has intensified a nationwide campaign to reclaim public land and remove encroachments, in line with its policy commitments, but the implementation, particularly the use of bulldozers, has sparked criticism over its speed and humanitarian concerns.
According to point 92 of the government’s commitment document, authorities aim to prepare digital records of public land, strengthen monitoring systems, and immediately begin removing illegal occupation. The policy also pledges strict control over new encroachments and the launch of a special campaign to clear existing illegal occupation.
The government has committed to completing data collection within 60 days and resolving the problems of landless and unmanaged settlers within 1,000 days. However, even before completing these processes, bulldozer operations began in informal settlements in the capital on Saturday (April 25).
Prime Minister Balen Shah, who is also handling the responsibilities of Home Minister, had instructed security chiefs earlier in the week to support the campaign.
Bulldozer operations expand nationwide
Following the Prime Minister’s initiative in Kathmandu, similar operations have spread to other cities, including Biratnagar, Duhabi, Birgunj, Butwal, and Pokhara. However, the executing authorities vary—some actions are led by provincial governments, others by local governments, and in some cases by project offices.
Madhesh province takes the lead
In Madhesh Province, bulldozer operations have been carried out under directives from the provincial government. Cities such as Birgunj and municipalities like Sakhuwan Prasauni, Mithila, and Shahidnagar acted on provincial instructions.
On March 22, the provincial Ministry of Home Affairs, Communications and Law had directed all 136 local bodies to remove structures built by encroaching on footpaths. Following this, encroachments were cleared from areas including Janakpur’s footpath markets, Pethiya Bazaar, Murali Chowk, and Mills Area.
In Sakhuwan Prasauni Rural Municipality-5, around 380 houses were demolished. Provincial Home Minister Fakira Mahato personally led the initiative, stating that the settlement had been built on encroached Guthi land along the Gandak canal. Seven bulldozers were deployed simultaneously, along with a heavy security presence.
Authorities claimed that only one household in the settlement qualified as landless, and efforts are underway for its resettlement.
Similar operations were carried out in Birgunj Metropolitan City, where structures, including parts of buildings, were demolished to clear footpaths.
Local governments step in
In many areas, local governments have taken the lead. For example, in Biratnagar, the metropolitan office began clearing footpath encroachments on Friday. Deputy Mayor Shilpa Nirala Karki personally supervised the operation.
Structures used for storing construction materials, motorcycle repair items, and scrap businesses operating against regulations were removed. Authorities said prior public announcements were made through loudspeakers before the action.
A similar approach was seen in Butwal, but with shorter notice. Bulldozers were deployed just 13 hours after public announcements, leading to anger among affected residents.
Many of the displaced had been living in the area for nearly three decades, during which the local government itself had provided basic services like electricity and water. Victims complained they were not given even 24 hours to vacate.
One resident, Bhakta Raj Basnet, said, “We were not against vacating the land, but the way it was done felt inhumane, as if we would be uprooted overnight without any alternative arrangements.”
Allegations of misuse and project-led actions
In some cases, local authorities have been accused of misusing the policy. In Duhabi, Sunsari, Mayor Bed Narayan Gachhadar reportedly ordered demolitions to expand a road leading to his own land. A video showing the alleged mistreatment of a protesting local woman went viral on social media.
Apart from governments, project offices have also initiated demolition drives. The Sunsari-Morang Irrigation Project has issued a 35-day notice to clear encroached land acquired through compensation.
Similarly, the Galchhi–Trishuli–Syapru Besi road project, part of a strategic route linking Nepal with China, has begun demolishing structures within 15 meters of the road boundary.
The Department of Roads in Hetauda has also issued notices to remove illegal structures along the Pathlaiya–Churiyamai section of the Mahendra Highway.
Growing concerns
These developments indicate that bulldozer operations are being carried out across the country to reclaim public land. While such actions are not new, officials say earlier efforts were often limited due to a lack of support from the federal government.
Now, with strong backing from the centre, enforcement has intensified. However, critics argue that the campaign appears rushed, with inadequate attention to due process, resettlement, and humanitarian considerations.
—With contributions from Hari Adhikari from Biratnagar, Shailendra Mahato from Janakpurdham, Subas Pandit from Chitwan, and Toparaj Sharma from Butwal.
