Himal Hub / Residents living in informal settlements at the Pokhara Bus Park in Prithvi Chowk are worried they could soon be evicted, as the metropolitan city begins action against land encroachment.
After recent notices issued by Pokhara Metropolitan City and related authorities, many landless and unmanaged settlers fear that bulldozers could be used in the area first. The Pokhara Bus Park has long been a center of controversy and political debate.
For years, managing squatters and informal settlements has been a major campaign issue in local elections. However, the problem remains unresolved, especially in the bus park and nearby institutional areas.
Encroachment and Long-Standing Issues
The land for the Pokhara Bus Park was acquired in 1974 (2031 B.S.), but over time it has been heavily occupied by informal settlers and unauthorized structures. Political groups, labor unions, and affiliated organizations have also occupied public land and, in some cases, rented it out.
Despite several attempts in the past, authorities have failed to clear these encroachments.
New Notices and Rising Fear
On Baisakh 4, the metropolitan office issued a 35-day notice asking individuals and organizations occupying public land without permission to vacate. Similar notices were also issued by the Pokhara Valley Town Development Committee.
Initially, many people ignored the notice. However, after recent eviction actions in Kathmandu, fears have grown in Pokhara that similar bulldozer operations could begin there soon.
As a result, nearly 25,000 squatters and informal settlers across Kaski district are now concerned about possible eviction.
Shrinking Bus Park Area
Although about 205 ropanis of land were originally acquired for the bus park, only around 19 ropanis remain in use today. The rest has been occupied by settlements and other structures. Currently, around 457 families, along with a community school, are living inside the bus park area.
Formation of Protest Committee
In response, locals have formed a 35-member struggle committee under the leadership of Prem Gurung from the National Land Rights Forum. The group aims to:
- Demand land ownership certificates
- Ensure proper housing arrangements
- Negotiate with the government
- Prevent forced displacement
They say squatters have long been used as political tools and now want a fair and sustainable solution instead of sudden eviction.
Mayor’s Response
Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said the notices were issued to encourage people to vacate encroached land voluntarily. He emphasized that this is the final notice and requested cooperation to avoid forced eviction.
According to him, the city plans a phased approach:
- First, ask people to leave voluntarily
- Then issue specific notices
- Finally, take action if necessary
He added that data on encroached land is being restored after being damaged during recent protests, and that a development plan (DPR) and budget for the Pokhara Bus Park project are already prepared.
