Kathmandu residents protest SC’s 40m riverbank setback ruling (photos)

KATHMANDU: Local residents agitated over the Supreme Court’s decision requiring an additional 20-meter setback along rivers in the Kathmandu Valley staged a demonstration at Maitighar Mandala today (Thursday).

The protest coincides with the hearing of the government’s review (vacate) petition, which was rescheduled from Poush 17 (Jan 1).

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered, chanting slogans such as “Justice, not rulings” and holding banners demanding the withdrawal of “unjust standards that displace people” and asserting, “Rivers must not be encroached; citizens cannot be evicted under the pretext of regulations.” Heavy security was deployed in the Maitighar Mandala area in anticipation of the protest.

The Supreme Court had issued a directive on Poush 3 (Dec 18) last year, ordering an additional 20 meters to be added to the existing 20-meter setback along major rivers in the valley, including Bagmati, Bishnumati, and Manohara—bringing the total setback to 40 meters.

The full text of the ruling was made public in Shrawan, after which the Kathmandu Metropolitan City began preparations for its implementation, sparking fear among local residents.

According to stakeholders, strict implementation of the ruling could render over 80,000 families homeless. Residents argue that long-term inhabitants with land titles and paying regular taxes should not have their property seized under the guise of regulations.

Claiming the verdict is flawed and impractical, the government filed a review (vacate) petition through the Attorney General’s Office.

A hearing had initially been scheduled for Poush 17 (Jan 1) but was postponed to today, prompting the renewed protest.

Photos:

-Saroj Basnet