Balen Shah Says Kathmandu’s Squatter Crisis Won’t Be Solved in 35 Minutes

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has pushed back against criticism over Kathmandu Valley’s riverbank squatters, saying the government is moving residents from high-risk areas while working on a longer-term solution for genuine landless families.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Sunday, Shah said the issue cannot be fixed overnight, stressing that a problem left unresolved for 35 years cannot be solved in 35 minutes. He also said Finance Minister has committed to addressing the matter within the current fiscal year.

Relocation, not forced removal

The prime minister said residents living in vulnerable riverbank settlements are being relocated safely, with humanitarian concerns taken into account. He added that the government is not relying on force and is focused on moving people away from flood-prone zones in areas such as Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manohara.

Officials have already been clearing settlements along riverbanks and public land across Kathmandu, a campaign that has intensified in recent weeks. The administration says the move is aimed at protecting people from recurring flood risks, especially as the monsoon season approaches.

Who gets land and who does not

Shah said the government plans to separate encroachers from genuine squatters before distributing land to eligible families. He said internal preparations are underway to fulfill election promises, including commitments related to squatter management and the protection of public land.

According to the government’s stated plan, verified squatters would be identified through surveys and record checks, then provided land in phases or offered alternative housing support in dense urban areas.

Why the issue is politically charged

The squatter question has become one of Kathmandu’s most contentious governance issues, sitting at the intersection of housing rights, public land encroachment, urban flooding, and state accountability. Recent eviction drives have already displaced many families, with temporary lodging arranged for some, but long-term resettlement remains uncertain.

That uncertainty has fueled criticism from residents and rights advocates, while city officials argue that clearing dangerous riverbank settlements is necessary to prevent disaster and enforce land rules.

What happens next

The key question now is whether the government can turn its relocation drive into a durable housing solution. Shah’s comments suggest the administration is trying to balance immediate safety with a slower verification process for bona fide squatters, while also keeping pressure on a system that has left the issue unresolved for decades.

For now, the message from the prime minister is clear: riverbank settlements will be cleared, but the broader housing problem will take far longer than a single political announcement to fix.