POKHARA: After recent bulldozer-led demolition drives in Kathmandu, informal settlers across the country have been left in fear.

The Pokhara Metropolitan City has already issued notices to remove structures built on encroached public and government land. However, the Supreme Court has issued an interim order barring forced eviction of settlers. Despite this, protests continue in different parts of the country.

According to the latest data from the National Land Commission, Kaski, there are a total of 19,634 households categorized as landless Dalits, informal settlers, and unregulated dwellers within Pokhara Metropolitan City.

Around 475 households have been living in the Prithvi Chowk Bus Park area alone in Ward No. 9 of Pokhara Metropolitan City.

Informal settlers in different areas of Pokhara have taken a firm stance that they will not vacate the land under any circumstances unless alternative arrangements are provided.

Historical records show that 205 ropanis (104290.23 square meters) of land were acquired in 1977 for the construction of the Prithvi Chowk Bus Park, after which informal settlement began in the area.

A report from the metropolitan city states that the land originally acquired for the Pokhara Town Planning (1973) and the Pokhara Valley Master Plan (1974) has gradually shrunk due to encroachment, compensation distribution, and road expansion, and now remains only about 50 to 81 ropanis (25436.64 to 41207.36 square meters).

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