Nepal’s PM begins large-scale drive to clear public land

Apr 29, 2026

Kathmandu (Nepal), April 29 (ANI): Demolition drive of the squatters residing in riverside embankments of Kathmandu Valley has started with no untoward incidents. The eviction drive which was attempted by now Prime Minister Balendra Shah during his tenure as the Mayor of the capital- Kathmandu had failed due to the absence of cooperation from the federal government. Previous attempt by Shah as the Mayor of Kathmandu on November 28, 2022 to clear the Thapathali settlement resulted in violent clash leaving 36 people injured, including then municipal police chief. Authorities had already begun preliminary clearance efforts last week as part of the eviction plan. According to police, the first phase of the operation targets settlements in Thapathali, Manohara, and the Sinamangal-Gairigaun areas. The eviction is being carried out in coordination with the District Administration Office, Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, with security arrangements tightened since morning.