Nepal Supreme Court Intervenes in the Controversy

The Nepal government’s anti-encroachment drive in the capital Kathmandu has triggered widespread debate and emotional reactions. An 11-year-old girl, Radhika Mahato, wrote a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Balendra Shah questioning the demolition of her home. “Our family voted for your party, but you demolished our house. Where should we live and study now?” she asked. Reports indicate that over 15,000 people have been displaced, with nearly 4,000 temporary structures demolished using bulldozers.

The displaced families have been relocated to a temporary camp in Banepa Municipality, about 75 km from Kathmandu. The relocation has disrupted Radhika’s education, forcing her to discontinue her studies. Her letter, published by an online news portal, has gone viral, drawing support from many across the country. Authorities defended the action, stating that riverbank encroachments posed flood risks and hindered urban planning. However, the controversy reached the Nepal Supreme Court, which directed the government not to carry out demolitions without a proper rehabilitation plan.