Kathmandu, May 12:
Opposition lawmakers in Nepal have criticised the government led by Balendra Shah over the demolition of squatters’ settlements, saying thousands of landless people were evicted without rehabilitation or alternative housing. Authorities have removed more than 15,000 squatters in Kathmandu over the past two weeks and demolished around 4,000 makeshift structures, stating that the settlements were illegally built on public and riverside land. However, opposition parties and civil society groups accused the government of acting without adequate notice and failing to follow proper procedures. Lawmakers raised the issue in parliament, with some alleging that the evictions have led to extreme hardship, including reported suicides, and left women and children without shelter, healthcare, or education access. Critics also objected to the use of bulldozers during the drive. The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order directing authorities not to remove squatters without a proper rehabilitation plan, warning of potential violations of constitutional rights and a looming humanitarian crisis.