KATHMANDU, Nov 3: The number of squatter families in the  Kathmandu Valley has reached 3,496, according to a government report.

After a month-long study, a government task force formed to study the issue of squatters has prepared a report that there are 3,496 slum dwellers in the valley living in 20 wards and 27 settlements of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.

The squatters have been living on the banks of Bagmati, Godavari, Bishnumati, Dhobikhola, Manohara and Balkhu rivers in the valley for a long time by encroaching upon government land. Therefore, to determine the number of real squatters and to find long-term solutions to organize the unorganized settlements, the High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization had formed a task force under the coordination of board member Birendra Thapaliya on February 28 2022.

According to the report, there are 40 squatter families in Devinagar of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, 36 in Shanti Binayak, 150 in Shankhamul, 143 in Thapathali, 193 in Banshighat, 6 in Dhumbarahi, 14 in Baluwatar, 147 in Khadipakaha, 32 in Narayan Tole, 10 in Ranibari, 23 in Anamnagar, 411 in Jagran Marg Balkhu, 114 in Jadibuti, 123 in Jagurt Marg, 75 in Buddha Jyoti, 19 in Dikure, 476 in Shantinagar, 35 in Sangam Tol, 162 in Garigaon and 46 families in Swayambhu.

Kamal Aryal, member secretary of the task force and spokesperson for the Committee, said that the report prepared by them will be sent to all the ward offices of the respective wards and after the verification by the ward offices, initiatives will be taken to permanently manage the squatters.

Three large buildings have been built under the Ministry of Urban Development to accommodate 300 families in Ichangu Narayan Municipality. The Committee said that the building was not used much. There are 300 flats in three big buildings. Each flat has three rooms including a toilet, and a shower room. In 2061 BS, the squatters of Kathmandu planned to move to Ichangu Narayan, but the government's plan was not implemented. “This time again, the government has thought of giving Ichangu Narayan flats to the squatters of Kathmandu, but there is no official decision regarding this,” Aryal said.

 
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