Kathmandu, 02 May (H.S.): Demolition work using bulldozers continues across several parts of Nepal, including the capital Kathmandu, on Saturday, as the government presses ahead with clearing encroachments following strict directives from Prime Minister Balendra Shah. The operation, launched under his firm guidance, is being carried out in areas where structures have sprung up on riverbanks and other public land.

The authorities have expanded the scope of their campaign to remove illegal structures built along riverbanks and on encroached public land. In line with this, bulldozers moved into the Balaju and Machhapokhari areas of Kathmandu on Saturday to dismantle encroached buildings.

The drive is being implemented in coordination with local administration, security forces, and relevant agencies.

Under the ongoing drive, houses, shops and other makeshift structures located along riverbanks and on public land are being razed.

Officials say the campaign is part of a broader effort both to reclaim such land under state control and to reduce risks in ecologically sensitive zones where informal settlements have grown.

The same type of demolition drive was carried out on Friday in areas such as Balkhu, Bansighat and Gongabu, where bulldozers removed structures deemed illegal. Authorities have indicated that the campaign will continue in other locations in the coming days as well.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar