Landless families in Vanhara camp demand secure housing ahead of elections

Kanchanpur: With just four days remaining until the House of Representatives elections, landless squatter families living in Vanhara camp in Kanchanpur have raised concerns over the lack of concrete action on promises made in previous elections. They are calling for clear commitments from candidates to provide safe housing and legal land ownership.

For over three decades, 28 families residing near the community forest along the East-West Highway have lived in temporary huts made of tarpaulins and leaves without legal ownership. Residents say that despite repeated promises from political parties and independent candidates to provide land titles, safe housing, and housing schemes, little has been implemented after elections.

“We have been used as a vote bank for years, but no one comes back to solve the problem,” said Mandhwaj Luhar.

Living near highways and rivers exposes families to risks such as traffic accidents, floods, and wild animal attacks, added Kalawati Damai. “I am afraid to go out at night; there is no place to run if an elephant or tiger comes,” she said.

Maghi Rawat highlighted that poorly organized settlements allow rainwater to enter homes, making living conditions unbearable. Some families are forced to sleep under bridges during the summer. Most residents rely on daily wages, while many youth have gone to India for work. The lack of stable income has negatively impacted children’s education, health, and nutrition.

Despite receiving certificates through the Land Disputes Resolution Commission, land acquisition and settlement have not been finalized. “The certificate is in hand, but there is no land to live in. Now, not assurances, but an action plan with a deadline is needed,” said Ranjit Rawat.

Camp leader Dal Bahadur Bohara emphasized the need for written commitments and work schedules rather than emotional speeches. “We don’t need donations; we need rights. We need land papers and safe houses,” he said.

Residents also highlighted challenges in school enrollment and scholarships for children due to the lack of permanent addresses, and limited access to nearby health posts hampers emergency treatment. The situation has worsened as more families are displaced by floods and landslides.

Ram Bahadur Chunara, general secretary of the National Land Rights Forum Sudurpaschim Province, called for livelihood programs alongside proper identification of landless families, rehabilitation in safe locations, and housing construction with basic infrastructure. He noted that many applications from landless families remain unaddressed.

Ahead of the elections, Vanhara camp residents are demanding that their issues become a central part of the political agenda. “In every election, photos are taken, names are recorded, but life remains the same. We will vote only for candidates who make a clear commitment to ensuring housing and employment,” said Prakash Saud.