179 displaced from squatter settlements relocated to temporary shelters in Bhaktapur
BHAKTAPUR: People displaced from squatter settlements across the Kathmandu Valley have been relocated to temporary shelters in Bhaktapur, officials said.
Bhaktapur's Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal said the training centre of Nepal Electricity Authority in Kharipati, Changu Narayan Municipality, and the Agricultural Training Centre in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality are being used to accommodate the displaced people. Food and lodging are being provided free of cost at both facilities, he added.
The Kharipati centre is currently housing 140 individuals, while 39 people are staying at the Agricultural Training Centre in Bode of Madhyapur Thimi. The Kharipati facility previously served as a quarantine site for people repatriated from China during the COVID19 pandemic, where they were housed for 45 days.
On Sunday, a delegation from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) visited Bhaktapur to assess the situation. The displaced people expressed relief at receiving free food and shelter, officials said.
Bagmati Province Health Minister Kiran Thapa Magar and Health Secretary Dr Sumita Gautam have instructed authorities to ensure prompt healthcare services for the residents, the district health office said.
Anjana Khadka, Chief of District Public Health Office, said a medical team from Bhaktapur Hospital conducted general health check-ups at both shelters on Sunday. She added that health camps, distribution of medicines and psychosocial counselling are scheduled for today.
(With inputs from RSS)
