Address Landless Squatters' Problems

The sukumbasi (landless squatter) problem is one of the burning problems besetting the Kathmandu Valley. The sukumbasis are occupying government land along the banks of the Bagmati and other rivers and elsewhere. Several attempts have been made to remove them but to no avail. It is said that many of the sukumbasis are people with connections with leaders and other influential people. Some months ago, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) tried to demolish the sukumbasi settlements along the banks of the Bagmati River. A clash erupted between the KMC police force and the sukumbasis. At long last, the KMC force had to retreat. Since then, no attempt has been made to remove the sukumbasis.