Victim protested against river standards

Kathmandu- Victims have protested against the Supreme Court’s decision on the standards of rivers and riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley.
The Unjust River and Road Standards Victims’ Struggle Committee protested at Maitighar in Kathmandu on Thursday, demanding a speedy decision by giving priority to the case.

In 2065 BS, the government had set standards of 20 meters in the Bagmati, Bishnumati and Manohara rivers, 9 meters in Dhobi Khola, 12 meters in Nakkhu and 4-10 meters in other rivers. Accordingly, many had abandoned their land and built houses. However, on 2080 Poush 3, the Supreme Court had ruled to prohibit the construction of structures in an additional 20 meters (up to a total of 40 meters).

This is estimated to affect more than 84,000 households in 19 rivers in the valley. The victims have expressed fear that the value of the land will be zero and thousands of families will be displaced, calling the decision unjust.

The protests have intensified after local levels including Kathmandu Metropolitan City also tightened the implementation of the decision. The protesters carried placards reading: “Abolish the unjust road and river standards that oppress the people,” “Land is our life,” and “Justice, not judgment.”