Federal govt orders removal of squatters from Dharan market land

KATHMANDU: The federal government has instructed authorities to clear encroached land at the Agricultural Produce Market in Dharan-13, Sunsari, where several squatter families have been living for years.

The Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has issued a directive to the market management committee, asking it to submit detailed records within three days regarding squatters residing inside the market area.

According to the ministry, encroachment within government-owned land must be removed to ensure proper protection and utilization of public property.

The department has also circulated a nationwide circular to 11 agricultural wholesale market management committees, instructing them to identify encroachments and begin the process of eviction in coordination with local administrations if necessary legal compliance is not met.

The letter, signed by agricultural economist Anusha Karki on Baisakh 24, directs authorities to study the extent of encroachment, issue notices to concerned parties, and initiate legal procedures through local governments and security agencies if occupants fail to comply.

In the Dharan market area, around 6 families have reportedly been living on approximately 2 to 3 katthas of land for several years, according to market manager Laxman Bhattarai.

He said any eviction process would be carried out only after coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Dharan Sub-metropolitan City has taken a cautious stance, stating it is not in favor of forcibly removing squatters.

Acting Mayor Aindra Bikram Begha reiterated that no one would be made homeless during his tenure.