Biratnagar, April 28 -- A large settlement stretches along the banks of the Singhiya river in ward 1 of Biratnagar Metropolitan City, from Ghina Ghat to Hathkhola. More than 2,000 squatter families live in Paropakar Ghat, Ganga Tole, Kushal and the surrounding areas. These are dense settlements near Hanuman Temple in ward 2 and in Basta Tole in ward 4.

Residents said they have been alarmed after watching footage of eviction drives carried out by Kathmandu Metropolitan City along the Bagmati river. The recent demolition of riverside settlements in the Capital has deepened fears among people living along the riverbank that a similar operation could be launched here.

Sixty-six-year-old Farok Sheikh of Paropakar Ghat in ward 1 said he has b...