Kohalpur Municipality Removes 751 Structures Built on Encroached Public Land

Kohalpur Municipality has cleared 751 houses and huts built on encroached public and government land in the area.

According to Mayor Purna Prasad Acharya, the demolition was carried out over four days in the area near the cricket ground in Ward No. 11. He said most residents removed their belongings themselves, while remaining structures were later cleared by the municipality.

The municipality has also stated that it is preparing to provide livelihood allowances for verified landless residents as part of a resettlement plan. Acharya said the municipality may either arrange land for genuine squatters or provide them with financial support through a formal procedure.

He also noted that the number of people staying in the holding center is gradually decreasing. Affected families have currently been relocated to the Kohalpur New Bus Park building as a temporary shelter.

Mayor Acharya said, “If possible, land will be arranged for genuine squatters; otherwise, livelihood allowances will be provided through a proper framework.”

Initially, the municipality had planned to distribute relief packages including food and basic supplies, but the plan was postponed due to management challenges.

At present, 279 people are staying in the holding center, including around 60 children. Residents have reported shortages of food and essential supplies, while some families have also complained about difficulties due to men and women being housed in the same hall.

Meanwhile, a team of human rights activists conducted an on-site monitoring visit. The team held discussions with Mayor Acharya, municipal officials, and a former chairperson of the Land Problem Resolution Commission.

According to local data, more than 53,700 households in Banke District are identified as landless. Authorities say that the dissolution of the land commission has halted surveying and land ownership distribution processes, creating further uncertainty.