KATHMANDU, Feb 23: Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Padma Kumari Aryal,  claimed on Friday that the government will take action against the encroachment of Kamalpokhari land.

Speaking at a press meet at Reporters Club Nepal on Friday, Aryal said that the government has decided to take stern action against those found to be misusing public or guthi (trust)  lands. 

“The government has decided to take action in the case of  buildings found to have been constructed in contravention of the  rules and regulations,”  she said.

When asked about  controversy surrounding the  Chhaya Center complex at Thamel in the capital, Aryal said that she has already assessed the information concerning the matter and that action would be taken  very soon. “Many cases of encroachment of public and guthi lands have been brought before the government,” she said adding, “The law will be allowed to take its course.”

She  claimed that the government is ready to take action even against powerful individuals if they are involved in land encroachment. She also emphasized that everyone should contribute their mite to safeguarding public ponds, monuments, temples and other heritage sites.

“If you find anyone encroaching  public or guthi land, please tell the government,” She said. “The government will not hesitate to take action.” She added that it was necessary to formulate laws that will help the conservation of public and guthi lands.

In another context, Minister Aryal announced that at least one land revenue office and one survey office will be established in  Kathmandu Valley within 45 days as  models of digitization . The program had already  started from Kalanki revenue office. 

Aryal pledged to develop all revenue offices in the  Valley and 131 of them across the country as technology-friendly entities. “Office work will move on from paper documents to pen drives right from the local level and we will make  this happen within two years”, she added.  

The land revenue and survey systems need to be improved to stop procedural malpractices  and the use of technology in service delivery is focused on better results, she continued. 

The government would introduce new law for the proper use of land to increase productivity, giving priority to the promotion of farmers and protection of guthi, the minister added. 

She said poverty identification  is being conducted in all  77 districts to minimize the poverty .

 
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