Claims of TU land recovery spark controversy amid ongoing encroachments

The education ministry’s statement that 705 ropani (approximately 35.5 hectares) of Tribhuvan University land have been reclaimed in Kathmandu Valley is disputed by university employees and professors, who say not a single plot has actually been vacated and handed back. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel, who is also the university’s pro-chancellor, announced on Wednesday that the TU had recovered around 705 ropani land after six months of efforts.

But officials in its administration division say the ministry has treated letters expressing willingness to return land as proof that the properties have already been handed over. Petrol pumps, a private school, a hotel and other structures continue to operate on university land, while contractors are still storing materials there without authorisation, employees said.

“The land has not been returned.