Nepal PM Balendra Shah rejects criticism over informal settlement demolitions 

Newly elected Prime Minister Balendra Shah has pushed back against mounting criticism over the controversial demolition of informal settlements across the Kathmandu Valley.

In a rare Facebook post, Shah, also known as Balen, defended the government’s move to clear squatter settlements along the banks of the Bagmati River and its tributaries, where many residents have lived for decades.

He said the demolitions were being carried out in accordance with the law and noted that certain provisions under the Land Act 1964 had been scrapped through an ordinance to remove legal obstacles to long-term solutions for illegal settlements.

The 36-year-old also denounced attempts to spread fear and suspicion among residents of informal settlements over the eviction process. 

No one will be left homeless 

The rapper-turned-politician said his government remained committed to protecting housing rights and ensuring that every landless citizen receives dignified and permanent housing. 

“All steps taken are not to remove citizens, but to ensure housing rights and resolve the problem permanently. No citizen will be left homeless,” he said, as quoted by the Kathmandu Post. 

Shah added that the government and relevant authorities had begun identifying genuine landless residents through digital data collection, verification and record-keeping to ensure transparency.

He also said residents living in unsafe areas would be relocated immediately to safer places, while decisions on other landless individuals would be based on recommendations from the relevant commission.

SC seeks clarification over clearing informal settlers 

Earlier, the Supreme Court (SC) issued a show-cause order to the government, seeking an explanation over the ongoing eviction of squatters and informal settlers in the Kathmandu Valley after hearing a writ petition.

A single bench led by Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel directed the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to submit a written explanation within 15 days through the Office of the Attorney General, Nepal News reported.

The court also asked the government to clarify the legal basis for the action and whether mandatory procedures under the 100-point governance reform plan, the Right to Housing Act 2018 and previous SC orders had been followed before the demolitions.

In addition, it sought details on rehabilitation measures for displaced families, including food, shelter, healthcare and education, as well as updated records of displaced households and damage to infrastructure.

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Evictions spark concern 

The court order came as opposition parties and rights groups raised growing concerns over Shah’s push to clear informal settlements ahead of the monsoon season, warning that the move could worsen residents’ situation.

Nepali Communist Party leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha sharply criticised the government’s actions, describing them as “dozer terror,” “anti-poor” and an “irresponsible displacement of squatters.”

While Shrestha said he was not advocating unmanaged settlements, he stressed that informal settlers were also Nepali citizens with the right to live with dignity.

“The Constitution guarantees housing rights. It is unacceptable for citizens to remain homeless and humiliated in their own country,” he said in a social media post, as quoted by My Republica. 

Land rights activist Biswas Nepali also said evictions without alternatives violated both legal and moral obligations. 

“Removing them from their homes without providing options is unjust. Women and children are especially affected, and many families have lost their livelihoods along with their homes,” he said. 

Meanwhile, a group of 28 prominent citizens voiced alarm over alleged “unconstitutional violations” by the government and accused Shah of undermining democratic norms and adopting increasingly authoritarian practices. 

“We are alarmed by the government’s unconstitutional violations and restrictions. We urge it to cease such actions (forced eviction and bringing of ordinances) and adhere to democratic practice and adhere to the constitution in letter and spirit,” it said, as quoted by the Diplomat. 

Calls for more humane approach 

Shrestha also called on the government to adopt a scientific and systematic approach, including proper identification of residents and alternative housing arrangements for informal settlers.

Similarly, rights groups and concerned citizens urged authorities to conduct proper data collection and verification, and ensure adequate shelter for residents of informal settlements before carrying out evictions.

They also called on authorities to avoid using force against residents, including the mobilisation of the national army, saying such actions would be unconstitutional and inhumane.

The calls came as the government intensified eviction drives across the Kathmandu Valley, leaving thousands homeless and in distress, with two individuals reportedly taking their own lives.

As of May 6, the government had demolished around 3,500 houses and structures, displacing at least 25,000 people, according to Nepal Mahila Ekata Samaj.

Land and women’s rights activist Bhagwati Adhikari warned that if the government’s aggressive approach continues, the impact could extend beyond Kathmandu and affect up to five million people nationwide.

She said the situation underscored the urgent need for authorities to resolve the issue without dehumanising informal settlers or displacing residents in the name of urban beautification.

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