Government halts meals at holding centres for displaced landless families in Kathmandu Valley, triggering sharp criticism and parliamentary scrutiny as food services resume amid ongoing rehabilitation delays.

The government’s abrupt suspension of meals at seven holding centres sheltering displaced landless families across Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Kavrepalanchok districts left hundreds uncertain about their next meal for nearly two days this week, drawing widespread condemnation before authorities restored food distribution on Tuesday evening.

Hundreds of vulnerable residents, including children, elderly people, and new mothers, faced immediate hardship after dinner service stopped on Monday and breakfast on Tuesday. At sites like Kharipati in Bhaktapur, reports emerged of locked water jars compounding the distress, leaving families reliant on roadside charity or meagre snacks like instant noodles and beaten rice.

Kali Maya Pariyar, displaced from the Manohara riverbank settlement with her eight-member family, described the ordeal poignantly. “They didn’t just stop the food. They locked away the water jars and wouldn’t even let us have drinking water,” she said. Her family lost their home and livelihood tools in the April demolitions, with grandchildren forced out of school and her injured son unable to work. Even the promised Rs. 25,000 aid, yet to arrive in many accounts, seems inadequate.

Similar accounts came from Sobita Rai, Babita Tamang (whose son awaits throat surgery), Kumari Rai, and Anju Pariyar, who lacks citizenship documents. The suspension exacerbated existing vulnerabilities for families already grappling with lost jobs, health issues, and monsoon hardships.

Parliamentary Scrutiny Adds to the Pressure

The food suspension and broader eviction fallout became a flashpoint in Thursday’s House of Representatives session. CPN (UML) MP Ashuda Kumari Baral strongly condemned the ongoing treatment of landless settlers, describing the Rs. 25,000 compensation package as entirely impractical and a violation of basic human rights to dignified living.

Lawmakers from multiple parties grilled the government on settler evictions alongside issues like youth exodus and other policy matters, demanding accountability. This parliamentary pressure amplified public criticism following media reports of the meal halt, contributing to the swift resumption of services.

Context of Evictions and Holding Centres

The controversy stems from the government’s April 2026 drive to clear informal settlements along riverbanks and public lands in the Kathmandu Valley. Bulldozers razed homes in Manohara, Thapathali, Balkhu, and other areas under the High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilisation (HPCIDBC). The operation aimed to restore the Bagmati River ecosystem but displaced around 1,488 people from 388 families initially.

Temporary holding centres were set up at locations including Machhapokhari in Balaju, Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Kirtipur, Kharipati’s Nepal Electricity Authority facility, Bode, Nagarkot, Banepa, and Ichangunarayan. Earlier protests at centres like Kirtipur over food shortages and mismanagement had already signalled simmering tensions.

On June 22, authorities issued notices for families to vacate after receiving Rs. 25,000 (with extensions to July 3), promising further monthly rent support. Many complied, but others remain due to delayed payments, insufficient funds for Kathmandu rents, or documentation barriers. By Tuesday, two centres were vacated, with 365 families in centres having received aid and 63 still waiting.

HPCIDBC project chief Machakaji Maharjan attributed the meal suspension to a canteen operator’s misunderstanding of instructions, which were meant to apply only to those who had received payments. Officials visited sites and assured continued meals for remaining residents for a few more days while addressing citizenship and technical delays.

Systemic Challenges and Government Promises

The episode underscores deeper issues in Nepal’s landlessness crisis, affecting over 1.2 million people nationwide. Evictions raised due process concerns, with UN experts and rights groups citing inadequate notice, lack of prior housing alternatives, and conflicts with Supreme Court directives.

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle’s 2026-27 budget pledged completion of rehabilitation for landless Dalits, squatters, and unmanaged settlers. Land Management Minister Pratibha Rawal announced plans for land ownership certificates from early July. Data collection covers many families, with distribution expected in coming months alongside interim rent support.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has emphasised patience for this decades-old problem. However, critics argue the Rs. 25,000 monthly package falls short against real costs, leaving families without jobs, schooling continuity, or healthcare.

Human Impact and Uncertain Future

For residents like those in Kharipati, the future remains precarious. Many lost citizenship papers in demolitions, face employment barriers, and worry about children’s education and health. Anju Pariyar was heading to district offices for documentation, surviving on snacks during the suspension.

The government is facilitating citizenship processes and compiling lists for special-needs families. Yet, as some centres empty, questions linger about sustainable resettlement beyond temporary aid.

This week’s events – the suspension of meals, its resumption under pressure, and parliamentary grilling – highlight the humanitarian stakes of urban development policies. While progress on payments and documentation continues, lasting resolution demands robust employment links, adequate housing, and inclusive processes to uphold dignity for sukumbasi communities.