Himal Press 
POKHARA: Following the launch of a campaign to clear informal settlements in Kathmandu, a similar drive has begun in Kaski. This has left many landless squatters living on public land without ownership certificates, anxious about their future.
The Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) has issued a public notice giving a 35-day ultimatum to individuals and organisations occupying public land within the metropolis without authorization to vacate the premises.
The notice, made public on Friday, was based on a decision taken by the PMC’s executive committee on April 16.
According to the notice, the metropolis has received numerous complaints that public land in various parts of the city has been illegally occupied for years. It said some individuals and institutions had constructed buildings, operated offices, rented out structures, and even fenced off public land based on their influence and access.
The metropolis has called on all concerned parties to demonstrate solidarity in protecting public property and to voluntarily remove all unauthorized structures within 35 days from the date of publication of the notice.
The PMC has warned that if the structures are not removed within the stipulated period, it will proceed with legal action in accordance with the law. It has also appealed to all Pokhara locals to cooperate in safeguarding and preserving public property.
PMC has carried out similar drives to clear encroached public land and riverbank areas in the past as well.
