Kathmandu is grappling with rising incidents of public land encroachment, and it's troubling to note that even prominent individuals and respected schools are involved in this trend. The Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) recently revealed that around 200 ropanis of land near the Dhobi Khola have been taken over without any authorization. According to land surveys done in 1964, 1987, and 1999, KVDA estimates that about 3,000 ropanis of riverbank land in Kathmandu have been passed on to private individuals illegally. To better understand the extent of the problem, this expanse is ten times the size of Tundikhel and extends from Tilganga to Chobhar. Happily, the crackdown on land encroachment has gained momentum currently, with KVDA initiating steps to freeze the properties of those found guilty of illegal land occupation. For instance, action has already been taken against those who grabbed land around Madhav Khola. From March 16, KVDA has prohibited illegal plotting within the valley and has rejected 1,150 land plot applications to date. KVDA has officially labeled at least 275 plots as illegal and has issued a warning to the public against buying or selling them. Meanwhile, 392 plots have also been confirmed legal, proof that regulated land transactions remain possible if proper procedures are followed.
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Encroachment occurs under all manner of guise, from constructing school buildings and commercial centers to residential and institutional complexes. Institutions and individuals circumvent government approval altogether, disregarding urban planning laws that require a minimum of five percent of a plot to be left open, reasonable road widths, and basic facilities like water and sewage. Not only is this a contravention of the law, but it also defeats the purpose of organized urban expansion. Promises of lucrative real estate often lure buyers into purchasing illegally plotted land, further complicating the problem. KVDA has now taken its warnings to the ward offices, requesting that they do not recommend illegal plots, with the goal of bringing the approvals to an end at the very first step of the process. We must not forget that in a city like Kathmandu, public land is more than just property and is extremely necessary.
In Kathmandu, where every inch counts and the ever-present risk of earthquakes looms large, keeping open spaces available for emergencies, relief efforts, and public safety is absolutely vital. When these safe zones are compromised, it makes emergency responses more challenging and endangers the community. To safeguard the city's future, we must reclaim occupied lands, enforce strict zoning laws, and put an end to illegal land grabs. The actions taken by the KVDA—like freezing properties, halting illegal plotting, and raising public awareness—show a genuine commitment to reclaiming public land. Their efforts highlight that Kathmandu simply can't afford to lose its open spaces to unchecked development and chaotic urban growth. These lands must remain clear and available, not just for everyday life but also for effectively managing emergencies. To sum up, public land must remain public, not as a means of convenience for the privileged few who have encroached on it under various pretexts. They must be kept to protect all Kathmandu denizens.
