Protests persist against SC river setback ruling (photos)
However, on Poush 3, 2080 BS, the Supreme Court prohibited construction within an additional 20 meters—making it a total of 40 meters.
KATHMANDU: Victims affected by river and road setback regulations in the Kathmandu Valley continued their protests against a recent Supreme Court ruling.
The Non-Judicial River and Road Setback Victims’ Struggle Committee held a demonstration in Kathmandu on Wednesday, demanding priority consideration and a speedy decision on the case.
The government had set setback standards in 2008, including 20 meters for the Bagmati, Bishnumati, and Manohara rivers, 9 meters for Dhobikhola, 12 meters in Nakkhu, and 4–10 meters for other rivers.
Many residents had built homes after leaving the required setback areas.
However, on Poush 3, 2080 BS, the Supreme Court prohibited construction within an additional 20 meters—making it a total of 40 meters.
The ruling is estimated to affect more than 84,000 households along 19 rivers in the valley.
The victims have called the decision “unjust,” warning it could wipe out land values and displace thousands of families.
Enforcement by Kathmandu Metropolitan City and other local authorities has intensified the protests.
Demonstrators carried placards reading, “Repeal the unjust river and road setbacks that displace people,” “Land is our life, not your ruling,” and “Give justice, not rulings.”
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