Current Affairs

If you think you are watching scenes of the famous Bollywood movie, Nayak, in real life in Kathmandu this week, you are mistaken.

It was actor Anil Kapoor who starred in the 2001 Bollywood drama. This week, it is Kathmandu's rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, who appears to be in ceaseless action.

And it's for real. 

After working hard to resolve the politics of waste management - that continues to plague the valley, the mayor is now on a “demolition spree”, driving bulldozer to clear "illegal structures" around commercial buildings in a bid to create more open spaces for public use and parking.

On Thursday morning, Mayor Shah reached Shankhamul Burger House and Alfa Beta Complex in New Baneshwor area and vented his rage with occupiers of shops built in spaces supposed to be open for public. It created a scene of sorts before passers-by and media persons.

The team led by the mayor directed the owners of these businesses to immediately vacate the underground area and use it for parking purposes as per the property map, which clearly designated areas for parking and commercial use.

He also went to a medical lab operated in the parking area of Alfa and told its owners to vacate the area. He also reached the Burger House of Shankhamul area - running at basement parking. 

According to the Chief of Kathmandu Municipal Police, Raju Pandey, the mayor asked both of them to vacate the areas.

Later, the team reached Gaushala in order to acquire information about the building where Muktinath Development Bank is located.   

The KMC had issued a 35-day notice to remove illegally constructed structures. The metropolis  said it has been compelled to go for action after the notice was ignored. 

The illegal structures of Kathmandu Mall, RB complex, and other commercial buildings have already been removed. (With inputs from RSS)

See some photos of Balen Shah in action: (All photos NepalMinute)