Biratnagar High Court Issues Interim Order
Biratnagar High Court has ordered Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City to immediately stop the construction of a vegetable market on land belonging to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS). The ruling came after BPKIHS Registrar Surya Prasad Sangraula filed a writ petition challenging the project.
Mayor Harka Sampang had initiated the construction in the Greenbelt area, a region meant for environmental and health-related purposes. However, the court intervened, citing concerns over disputed ownership and the land’s significance to the health sector.
Dispute Over Land Ownership
The legal battle arose after BPKIHS claimed that the land was allocated for healthcare purposes and should not be used for commercial activities. The institute argued that the municipality’s decision to construct a vegetable market violated regulations and threatened the integrity of the hospital’s premises.
In response, Mayor Harka Sampang defended the project, stating that it was intended to provide a designated space for local vendors. However, the court ruled that the land must remain unchanged until the dispute is legally resolved.
Court’s Verdict and Next Steps
The interim order directs Mayor Sampang, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, and the police to submit a written response within 15 days. The court emphasized the sensitivity of the issue, considering the location's importance to the healthcare sector.
Local residents and stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions. While some support the municipality’s efforts to improve market facilities, others believe that the land should be preserved for medical and environmental purposes.
Ongoing Legal and Public Debate
This case has sparked discussions on urban planning and land management in Nepal. Experts argue that local governments must prioritize legal procedures before initiating construction on disputed land.
For now, all work on the vegetable market has been halted as the legal process unfolds. The final verdict will determine whether the municipality can proceed with the project or if the land will remain under BPKIHS’s control.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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