Nepal’s Shuklaphanta National Park Victims Struggle for Justice

It has been a week since the settlement of the Shuklaphanta National Park victims in Bhimdatt Municipality-4, Kanchanpur, was inundated.

According to Jay Bahadur Rokaya, president of the Shuklaphanta National Park Victims’ Struggle Committee, Kanchanpur, the victims are in a state of limbo. Rokaya stated that the situation in Bhimdatt Municipality-4, where around 500 displaced families reside, is dire.

The victims have informed the relevant authorities, including the ward office, municipality, and district administration office, about their situation. However, no concrete solution has been provided.

Background of the Displacement

The Shuklaphanta National Park victims were displaced in 2058 BS (2001 AD) when the government failed to provide them with proper resettlement. Since then, they have been living in various camps, awaiting a permanent solution.

Rokaya mentioned that the government had formed several commissions to address the issue, but none of them have been able to provide a satisfactory solution. The victims have been protesting and demanding the formation of an empowered commission to address their grievances.

Current Situation

The displaced families are currently living in a dilapidated building near the Van Division office in Bhimdatt Municipality-4. The building is in a state of disrepair, with crumbling walls and overgrown vegetation.

Rokaya stated that the government had provided some land to the victims in various locations, but it was not sufficient. He emphasized that the government needs to provide a permanent solution, including safe and secure housing.

The victims are currently struggling to survive, with limited access to food and other essential necessities. Rokaya appealed to the government to take immediate action to address their grievances and provide a permanent solution to their displacement.