Kathmandu, August 26
The CPN-UML party has demanded the revocation of the ban on construction within an additional 20 meters of land along the riverbanks in Kathmandu, arguing that the restrictions exceed the originally designated area. The party has also called for a judicial review of the Supreme Court’s decision on this matter.
On November 16, 2008, the Cabinet decided to prohibit construction within 20 meters of the Bagmati, Bishnumati, and Manohara riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley. However, on December 18, 2022, the Supreme Court issued a directive to extend this restriction by an additional 20 meters. Following this decision, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, through a mayoral-level directive, announced that it would not approve building permits that violate the revised standards.
Leaders of the CPN-UML Kathmandu Committee recently met with Prime Minister and UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, urging him to annul the notice issued by the Metropolitan City and to seek a judicial review of the Supreme Court’s decision.
On Sunday evening, a delegation, including Bagmati Province In-Charge Dr Rajan Bhattarai, District Chairperson Deepak Niraula, Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and former Mayor Bidhya Sundar Shakya, submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Oli at his official residence in Baluwatar.
The memorandum argues that the Supreme Court’s order and the Metropolitan City’s notice violate the constitutional right to property. The UML leaders warned that failure to revoke the notice could lead to an unusual situation.
The UML delegation also brought to the Prime Minister’s attention issues related to health, drinking water, sewage, roads, food supplies, and environmental improvements in Kathmandu. The district committee further requested immediate action to advance the remaining work on the Nagmati Dam Project in Sundarijal, Kathmandu Constituency No. 3, and to initiate water replenishment projects in various parts of the valley. Additionally, they called for long-term solutions to the beautification of the rivers and waste management.
Prime Minister Oli, who also chairs the UML, assured that the government would take necessary actions to address these problems. He emphasised that no entity or individual should make decisions without considering practicality, according to the leaders who attended the meeting.
Mayor Balen’s response: Avoid spreading misconceptions among the public
“Don’t spread misconceptions among the public,” said Mayor Balen.
“Just because a crow caw doesn’t mean you should chase after it; you should check your ears first.
Following the Supreme Court’s order, we at Kathmandu Metropolitan City informed the public that construction within 40 meters of the Bagmati and Bishnumati Rivers and 20 meters of the Tukucha River is prohibited. No additional structures will be allowed on that land.
The Supreme Court’s order does not prevent people from using their land. The government can only acquire the land by providing compensation. Please do not misinterpret the Supreme Court’s order as Metropolitan City’s decision and spread misinformation among the public.”
