Lumbini: Following directives from the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah Balen to clear squatter settlements, encroachments, and public land across the country, Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City has intensified its campaign to remove unorganized structures built on public land and along the banks of the Tinau River.

Locals Accuse Authorities of “Dozer Terror”
In response, local residents and landless settlers launched protests on Thursday, accusing authorities of carrying out “dozer terror” in the name of urban management.

Demonstrators opposed the settlement removal drive in the Tinau River corridor and the Motipur Industrial Area, carrying placards with slogans such as:

-“Do not displace citizens, rehabilitate them.”
-“Respect human rights.”
-“Do not destroy settlements without proper management.”
-“Displacement without alternatives is unacceptable.”

Demand for Proper Rehabilitation
The protest was organized by the Nepal Landless Squatter Unorganized Struggle Committee in Rupandehi. Protesters demanded that genuine landless families be identified and provided with land ownership certificates as promised during previous governments through the Land Commission process.

The rally began from the highway intersection in Butwal and moved through Milan Chowk, Bus Park, Hospital Line, Pushpalal Park, before ending in a corner assembly at Traffic Chowk.

Leaders Warn of Further Agitation
Khagendra Poudel, coordinator of the struggle committee in Rupandehi, said that families who have been living in the area for many years should not be removed without proper settlement arrangements.

“It is unfair to evict people who have lived here for years based on occupation and settlement,” he said.
Committee representative Birendra BK warned that stronger protests would continue if the government proceeded with evictions without providing alternatives.

“We support the government’s anti-corruption campaign, but removing settlements without rehabilitation is unacceptable,” he stated.

Thousands Await Land Ownership Certificates
According to reports, around 79,261 households in Rupandehi have applied for land ownership certificates through the now-dissolved Land Problem Resolution Commission.

Data from the commission shows that in Butwal alone there are more than 17,000 unorganized settlements. In Ward No. 11 of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City, thousands of families are affected, including landless squatters, landless Dalits, and unorganized settlers awaiting legal recognition and permanent housing solutions.