System-based verification of squatters begins for proper identification and management

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation has started testing and verification of actual squatters through the Soil-Archiving Management System (SAMS).

Ministry spokesperson Ganesh Prasad Bhatta said the system is being used to check whether individuals claiming to be squatters own land anywhere in the country based on government records.

He said the process is being carried out in a transparent, effective and cost-efficient manner using established procedures and digital tools.

The verification process has begun within the Kathmandu Valley as per the direction of the Ministry of Urban Development, and will gradually expand nationwide. The ministry believes proper identification will help in managing squatters more effectively.

There are 110 land revenue offices and 21 land reform and land revenue offices under the ministry.

The ministry has also written to all 753 local levels to assess the human resources, technical capacity and infrastructure needed to deliver land-related services locally.