Bulldozers Halted, Bigger Questions Begin

The Supreme Court’s interim order has halted the government’s demolition drive in squatter settlements, which had already resulted in the displacement of hundreds of families in the Kathmandu Valley. The court has extended a ban on evictions until a final verdict and instructed authorities to safeguard basic human rights such as shelter, education, healthcare, and food for those affected by displacement. In its order, the Supreme Court noted that rehabilitation and protection must be prioritized while the matter remains under judicial consideration. By the time the order was issued, a significant portion of demolition work in major settlements had already been completed, leaving many families without shelter or basic amenities. The government led by Balendra Shah initiated the drive on April 25 to clear public land—mainly riverbanks and urban areas—of illegal encroachments. Areas such as Thapathali, Gairigaun, Sinamangal, Shantinagar, Kapan, Balaju, and Balkhu witnessed extensive bulldozer operations, affecting both makeshift and permanent structures. The judiciary’s intervention has brought renewed focus to the squatter issue—shifting attention from land clearance to its consequences, particularly for vulnerable families left without support. While clearing encroached public land may restore order on paper, the court has reminded the state that the rule of law does not end with eviction.