More than 1,000 families have registered their names and details as squatters by Tuesday noon at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.
After the government used security forces to demolish squatter settlements in Thapathali, Gairigaun, Sinamangal, Manohara, and other areas, residents had scattered in fear. They are gradually coming forward to register as squatters.
According to an official involved in data collection, 1,078 families have identified themselves as squatters and registered their details so far.
On average, each family has about four members, said the official. This means more than 4,000 individuals have been registered so far, including over 1,500 children.
The government has set up help desks at the stadium to collect information on families that are unable to arrange accommodation and food for themselves. After registration, they are being accommodated in five different holding centers.
The High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilization (HPCIDBC) and the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) are recording the details of such families. They have set up separate desks in the western corner of the stadium to collect forms.
Separate desks have also been set up at the stadium for health check-ups and food distribution, coordinated by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Most of the squatters displaced from Thapathali have already arrived, while those from Sinamangal, Gairigaun, and Shantinagar continue to arrive. Since Sunday, the number of arrivals from these three areas has increased sharply.
After registering their details, the displaced families are being transported to holding centers in Kirtipur, as well as to various hotels and lodges in Machha Pokhari and New Bus Park for temporary accommodation.
