Fix Relief Gaps

The government’s inability to ensure even basic food, healthcare, and education for displaced landless squatters—despite its own assurances of rehabilitation and protection—has deepened a crisis of trust and fuelled growing resentment. When unauthorised settlements along riverbanks and other areas in the Kathmandu Valley were cleared, the authorities had announced that proper arrangements would be made for the affected families’ food and shelter. Trusting these assurances, several displaced families agreed to move into government-designated holding centres, even in inconvenient locations. However, once relocated, the state’s attention appears to have gradually faded, leaving them in neglect. The recent suspension of food supplies at the Radhaswami Satsang Holding Centre in Kirtipur is the latest and most troubling example. With no food arrangements in place since Monday morning, residents have been left increasingly frustrated and disheartened. For the past one and a half months, meals had been provided in coordination with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. However, as the federal government has yet to take a concrete decision on funding, the metropolitan-run canteen discontinued its service from Sunday evening, citing financial strain and unsustainability. As a result, residents went without food on Monday morning.