LMC demolish illegal structures at Nhuh Pokhari
The structures, built illegally on the northeastern side of Nhuh Pokhari, had been used by the Buddhi Bikas Mandal and the Nepal Tuberculosis Control Association.
KATHMANDU: Lalitpur Municipality City (LMC) has demolished unauthorized structures located on the northeastern hill of Nhuh Pokhari.
The Municipality carried out the demolition on Sunday, after issuing a 35-day notice on Shrawan 17, requesting the removal of illegal constructions in the area. When the deadline passed without compliance, the Municipality proceeded with the demolition.
The structures, built illegally on the northeastern side of Nhuh Pokhari, had been used by the Buddhi Bikas Mandal and the Nepal Tuberculosis Control Association.
The historic Nhuh Pokhari, located in Ward No. 5 of Jawalakhel, is undergoing restoration and reconstruction under the Municipality’s plans for its preservation.
The Municipality’s action follows the increasing encroachment of public land and the need to protect the historical site.
As per the Municipality’s policy on public land and heritage conservation, the site is being renovated as part of a broader effort to restore the pond and its surroundings.
A detailed project report (DPR) for the renovation has been approved by the Municipal Executive, and the necessary budget has been allocated.
Pawan Ranamagar, the President of the Buddha Development Board, accused the Municipality of not providing a solution despite multiple discussions. He expressed that the Board was not against the preservation of the pond, but sought an alternative solution. The Buddha Development Board, established in 1953, has contributed significantly to social service, according to Ranamagar.
He also mentioned that the Board had filed a petition at the Patan High Court on Shrawan 18 seeking an interim order to prevent the demolition of their building.
Although the High Court did not issue an interim order, it did issue a show-cause order. Ranamagar claims that the Municipality ignored this order and proceeded with the demolition.
In its defense, the Municipality stated that it had acted in accordance with the Local Government Operations Act 2074 under Section 97 and the Muluki Civil Code 2074 under Section 304, which mandate the protection of public property by local authorities.
The Municipality had given a 35-day notice as per its decision on Shrawan 16, and after no action was taken within the specified period, the Municipality moved to remove the illegal structures.
