To address the issues surrounding human settlements along the river corridors in the Kathmandu Valley, the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated a coordinated approach.

During a meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha on Monday, the heads and officials of relevant ministries and agencies concluded that collaborative action is required to resolve the issue.

It was agreed that the High-powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilization, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and the National Land Commission would convene a meeting promptly to find a solution within a specified timeframe.

To facilitate this, a task force will be established, consisting of representatives from the Ministries of Home, Urban Development, Physical Infrastructure, and Transport, Land Management and Poverty Alleviation, and the High-powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilization, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the National Land Commission, and the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to address the issue of unauthorized settlements in the Bagmati Corridor. He highlighted that eliminating slums should be done with a resettlement plan for genuine slum dwellers.

Minister for Urban Development Sita Gurung noted that the government’s policy, program, and budget already include provisions for relocating settlements along the river corridor. However, she emphasized the importance of not violating or denying the rights of legitimate squatters under the pretext of slum removal.

Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Balen Shah, expressed his expectation for assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs in addressing the issue of unorganized settlements in the Bagmati Corridor.