Land dispute escalates between Mayor Sampang & BPKIHS over old Dharan hospital grounds

KATHMANDU: A heated dispute has erupted between Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Harka Raj Sampang and the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) over ownership of the land where the old Dharan hospital once stood.

The dispute centers around a plot in Chata Chowk, where the city plans to establish a municipal hospital.

Mayor Sampang has accused BPKIHS of “quietly grabbing” the land, alleging that the institute took control of the property without proper transparency. He has publicly demanded the return of the land and announced plans for protests against the institute, urging citizens to join him in pressuring for its return.

The mayor also questioned the Ministry of Health, seeking clarity on whether the land will be returned, as it would influence the city’s budget decisions regarding the new hospital.

In response, BPKIHS issued a strong objection to the mayor’s statements, expressing concern over the use of terms like “grabbed” and “taken quietly,” which it says spread misinformation and damage the institute’s reputation. The institute clarified that it was established in 2049 BS and that the land—measuring 1 bigha, 4 kaththas, and 13.1 dhurs—was legally transferred to BPKIHS through a government decision.

The institute emphasized that such accusations could harm the collaborative relationship between the two public entities.

In an official statement, BPKIHS warned that actions taken outside legal and procedural frameworks could obstruct development efforts, urging all parties to act responsibly in the public interest.

The dispute has now placed two of Dharan’s most important institutions at odds—one striving to expand local health services and the other defending its legal claim and historical legacy.

As tensions mount, the resolution of this issue will be crucial for the future of healthcare and governance in the city.