Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that the government would soon seek review of the Supreme Court’s decision, which prohibits the construction of any structure within an additional 20 metres from the earlier specified mark on either side of the rivers in Kathmandu Valley.

Receiving a memorandum from a delegation led by Suman Sayami, coordinator of the Kathmandu Valley Road Expansion Victims’ Struggle Committee and the River Standard Stakeholders’ Group, the prime minister on Monday said that the government is ready to address the concerns of the locals. A delegation led by Sayami reached the prime minister’s official residence in Baluwatar seeking government support to vacate the top court’s verdict.

“We respect the court verdicts. However, due to various reasons, some rulings can be flawed. The right way to amend a decision that is deemed inappropriate is through review from the court itself,” Oli told the representatives. “I trust the court will understand the grievances of the people, and justice will prevail for the victims.”

Labelling the people supporting the apex court’s verdict on the issue as the elements working to harm the civilisation and culture of Nepal, the prime minister urged one and all to remain alert against such attempts.

“Nepali culture is one of unity and friendship. Various elements may be working to harm our civilisation and culture,” Oli said. “We must strengthen our national unity and identity. Some people may try to disturb the spirit of national unity. We all need to remain vigilant about this.”

Following the court’s ruling, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City on August 14 issued a notice prohibiting any construction within an additional 20 metres on either side of the riverbanks.

According to the metropolis notice, if the city has, under the existing rule, prohibited any construction on 20 meters from the area marked as river, the restricted area will now be altogether 40 meters on either side of the waterway.

The Struggle Committee has argued that enforcing the verdict and the notice will displace thousands of people, who will also lose their property. They have called for a review of the decision and urged to halt the enforcement of the notice issued by Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor, Balendra Shah.

The Supreme Court, in its verdict on December 19, 2023, had asked the authorities to end encroachment into rivers in Kathmandu Valley. The full text of the verdict was made public in August that prohibited construction in an additional 20 meters area.

Previously, the Cabinet meeting of November 16, 2008, had declared 20 metres as the area restricted for construction.