The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has issued a letter to all rural municipalities and municipalities regarding the protection of government and public land within their jurisdictions.
According to the ministry, local governments have responsibility under the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 to protect public property in their areas. The letter also refers to a decision of the Council of Ministers and a Nepal Gazette notice related to the protection of government and public land.
The ministry has directed local levels to coordinate with district administration offices to identify genuine landless squatters living on encroached public land. It has also asked them to prepare plans for their proper management, including safe housing, drinking water, privacy protection, health care, counselling, and special arrangements for women and persons with disabilities.
After arranging proper settlement for genuine squatters, local levels have been asked to remove encroachments with necessary security support from district administration offices. The ministry has also instructed local governments to protect public land, prevent new encroachments, and inform citizens not to occupy government or public land or settle in high-risk areas.
