Pokhara: Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) has identified 325 households residing in the Pokhara Bus Park area as landless. This conclusion was reached following a comprehensive investigation into the Dalit, landless, squatters, and unorganized occupants living in the bus park area.
According to National News Agency Nepal, PMC had invited applications for managing the landless population in the bus park. These applications were thoroughly cross-checked and scrutinized with assistance from ward-level officials. Ultimately, PMC listed 242 households that raised concerns about unorganized settlements, as stated by Mayor Dhanraj Acharya.
Initially, applications were received from 200 landless Dalits, 248 landless squatters, and 116 unorganized settlers. The verification process included a claim and objection procedure, followed by an additional study to confirm the details of the occupants.
The final assessment identified 144 households as landless Dalits and 181 as landless squatters, bringing the total to 325 households. Additionally, 242 families were classified as unorganized settlers. Mayor Acharya noted that with the identification of landless squatters, the local government plans to manage these households effectively. The ward committee played a significant role in preparing the report. “The local level will make a decision from its executive council and forward recommendations to the district committee for further action,” Mayor Acharya added.
The situation of landless settlers has reached a critical point. Acharya emphasized that the local government is committed to ensuring justice for those affected. All seven district committees will be notified after the PMC’s executive council meets. The households have occupied public land at the Pokhara Bus Park for years due to a lack of stringent enforcement. The next step is the relocation of the identified households.
Prem Gurung, coordinator of the Landless Squatters’ Concern Committee, expressed that the landless population does not oppose government development efforts. However, he stressed the necessity of proper management before any evacuation takes place.
Gurung argued, “It’s wrong to place the entire blame on us for the delayed expansion of the Bus Park. There are multiple reasons for the sluggish progress.” He assured that the settlers are willing to cooperate with PMC, but emphasized the need for proper rehabilitation.
PMC acquired the land to develop a well-equipped bus park 50 years ago. However, no significant progress has been made, leaving people to catch vehicles for various destinations from a roadside at Prithvichowk.
In addition to the landless population, some individuals have encroached upon public land. Recently, PMC demolished structures set up on public land and announced plans to construct a modern bus park with assistance from donor agencies.