KATHMANDU, Sept 13: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has stated that it is wrong to politicize the Supreme Court (SC)'s decision to increase the riverbank boundary in Kathmandu by an additional 20 meters and to create conflict between the federal and local governments.

Issuing a press release on Thursday, the RSP urged against instilling fear in the minds of locals living near rivers and streams by turning the SC's decision into a political issue.

The RSP emphasized that since legal avenues for appealing against the SC's decision are still available, it is crucial to discuss the matter with stakeholders and form a unified stance between the federal government and local governments within the Kathmandu Valley before seeking a review of the decision.

The RSP has also noted that while the SC reviews its decision, it is essential for the federal and local governments to collaborate on setting new standards according to the ruling. This collaboration is necessary to protect and enhance water sources, archaeological heritage, and the area's beauty, along with promoting a new way of living, the party said.

“The attempt to unnecessarily politicize the Supreme Court's decision undermines the essence of the rule of law and democracy, while also strengthening forces of instability and anarchy,” said officiating spokesperson Manish Jha in a press release.

The Supreme Court had issued an order on December 18 to relocate those living along the banks of the Bagmati and other rivers in the Valley. The full text of the order deemed the existing 20-meter riverbank boundary insufficient and called for an additional 20-meter increase.

Following the SC verdict, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City imposed a ban on any construction within the newly extended 20-meter boundary and the debate began.