KATHMANDU, Sept 9: The Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum has requested a review of the Supreme Court (SC)'s decision to increase the setback standard along the Bagmati River and its tributaries by 20 meters. A meeting of the Forum held on Sunday concluded that adding an additional 20 meters to the current standards would negatively impact many ordinary citizens.

On December 18, the SC ordered the relocation of residents living along the Bagmati River and other rivers in the valley. The full text of the order also stated that the existing 20-meter setback standard for riverbanks was deemed inadequate and, hence, the court ordered an additional 20-meter increase.

The debate began after the Kathmandu Metropolitan City imposed a ban on any construction within the additional 20-meter area as per the Supreme Court's decision. The Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum has also expressed concern about the SC’s ruling.

The Forum stated that, based on the standards previously set by the Nepal Government, land partitioning, buying and selling, and transfer of ownership have been carried out. However, the recent court decision has created a situation where people are forced to abandon property they have earned through a lifetime of struggle.

"The Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum strongly requests the Government of Nepal to review the decision, as it is extremely necessary to reconsider the ruling," the forum stated.

 
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