A sudden shift in weather patterns has brought heavy rainfall and a sharp drop in temperature to the capital today, complicating the government’s high-stakes operation to clear landless settlements along the Bagmati and Manahara rivers. While the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) had issued warnings for the eastern and central belts, the intensity of the rain in the valley has caught many displaced families and security personnel off guard.
Challenges at the Riverbanks
In Kathmandu, the rain has turned the demolition sites at Thapathali, Gairegaun, and Sinamangal into muddy landscapes, making it increasingly difficult for residents to move their remaining belongings. The sudden “cold snap” has added significant hardship for those currently housed in temporary transit camps at Kirtipur and Dasharath Stadium, as well as those still lingering near the riverside waiting for verification.
Security forces, including the Nepal Police and Municipal Police, have had to pause heavy machinery operations in some sections due to the slippery terrain. Despite the weather, officials from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) have stated that the drive—initiated under the directive of Prime Minister Balen Shah—will continue once the weather stabilizes, citing the urgency of clearing the drainage systems before the full monsoon arrives.
Red Alerts for Koshi and Gandaki
The weather disturbance isn’t limited to the capital. The DHM has placed Koshi and Gandaki Provinces under a high-alert status today, predicting heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder, lightning, and localized storms.
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Impact Areas: Specifically, the hilly regions of these provinces are expected to see significant precipitation, while the Tarai belt is bracing for strong winds starting late afternoon.
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Travel Advisory: Authorities have urged travelers and trekkers in the Gandaki region to remain cautious, as the rain has increased the risk of localized landslides in steep terrain.
Evacuation and Legal Tensions
The weather complications come at a time of high political and legal friction. While hundreds of huts have already been flattened, the Supreme Court is currently reviewing a writ filed by advocates challenging the lack of a “meaningful consultation” and alternative housing guarantees. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel recently clarified that while ground-level preparations are aggressive, the state remains committed to identifying “genuine” landless squatters for permanent relocation once the data collection phase is complete.