As part of the second phase of the eviction drive to remove “unmanaged settlements” along the Kathmandu Valley’s riverbanks, authorities carried out demolition drives early Friday in Balkhu, the Bansighat area, and Sankhamul.

The drive is being carried out under tight security. Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and municipal police were deployed at the sites.

Security personnel are helping residents to evacuate the settlements. Earlier on Wednesday, the Kathmandu District Administration Office issued a notice giving residents a Friday deadline to vacate the area. Following the notice, many had already begun dismantling their homes on their own.

The Sange Chhoiling Gumba in Balkhu was also demolished. A dozer was deployed early in the morning at the monastery, which lies within a squatter settlement.

Requests from Gumba authorities not to demolish the monastery on Buddha Jayanti were not heeded.

“We had at least requested them not to demolish it on Buddha Jayanti, but they still brought in the dozer. The Buddha statue has been left in a sorry state,” said Gumba chairperson Kapure Tamang. He said the monastery was registered on October 30, 2021.

A petrol pump located within the settlement was demolished, while other makeshift structures were dismantled.