The Nepal government has intensified a nationwide campaign to remove illegal encroachments and reclaim public land, but the aggressive use of bulldozers has triggered growing criticism from the public and rights groups.

Authorities say the drive is part of a wider policy to improve urban management, to protect public land and to prevent further illegal occupation. However, the speed and manner in which the campaign is being carried out have raised serious concerns about fairness and humanitarian impact.

Operation Spreads Nationwide

The bulldozer campaign, which began in Kathmandu, has now spread to multiple cities across Nepal, including Biratnagar, Birgunj, Butwal, and Pokhara.

In many places, local and provincial governments have taken the lead in clearing footpaths, roadside structures, and informal settlements. In some areas, heavy machinery and security forces were deployed simultaneously to remove encroachments.

Officials claim that the action is necessary to maintain order and ensure that public land is used properly.

However, the implementation varies from place to place. Some operations are led by local governments, while others are directed by provincial authorities or specific development projects. 

Madhesh Province Sees Large-Scale Demolitions

In Madhesh Province, authorities have led large-scale demolitions following official directives, one of the most intense operations.

In some places hundreds of houses were cleared in one fell swoop. Many of these structures were built on encroached land including government and Guthi land, officials say.

Authorities also said few residents qualified as landless and that efforts were underway to address their relocation.

Voices of the Residents

But many affected residents have expressed strong concerns about the way the demolitions are being carried out, even if the government says they are justified.

In some places, people say they were given very little time to leave their homes, sometimes less than 24-hours. Many families said they had lived in those areas for decades and even received basic services like electricity and water from local authorities.

One resident affected by the situation called it “inhumane” and said people were being pushed out without planning or alternatives. 

Questions of Process and Fairness

While clearance of illegal encroachments is important, critics say the process is not backed by proper planning and procedure.

Issues include:

• Not enough time before demolition

• No resettlement plans for displaced families

• Uneven regional enforcement

• Possible abuse of power in some cases

The debate has also been fuelled by allegations that some demolitions were done for local interests rather than for the public good.

Government’s case

The government says the campaign is consistent with its policy commitments and is necessary.

What to expect:

• Digitalization of public land records

• Strengthening monitoring systems

• Avoid new encroachments

• Solving the problems of landless settlers in a fixed time frame

But officials say the better coordination between federal, provincial and local authorities now allows for stronger enforcement. 

An age-old problem

Encroachment on public land has been a long-standing problem in Nepal for years. Past efforts to demolish illegal structures were frequently thwarted by lack of enforcement and political will.

With more backing from the central government, the campaign has now gained momentum – and controversy.

Balancing Development with Humanity

Experts say the situation underscores a broader challenge: how to balance development goals and human rights.

While it is important to reclaim public land for urban planning and infrastructure, the process must also take into account:

• The rights of vulnerable groups

• Adequate rehabilitation and resettlement

• Transparent, equitable implementation

If these elements are not present, such campaigns may cause social unrest and public dissatisfaction.

Conclusion

Nepal’s nationwide bulldozer drive is a major step toward enforcing land regulations, but it also raises critical questions about how such policies should be implemented.

As the campaign continues, the question is whether the government can balance law enforcement with social responsibility.

Whether this drive becomes a model of reform or a source of further conflict will be seen in the coming days.

Tags: Bulldozer Drive Nepal, Encroachment Nepal, Land Issues Nepal, Kathmandu News, Government Policy Nepal