Apr 26, Kathmandu - Saraswati Basic School located on the banks of Manohara in Thimi Municipality-1 Lokanthali is set to be demolished, including its building in the Sukumbasi settlement. The school’s administration was under the impression that the structure would not be torn down, as no prior notice was given.

According to the school Principal Indira Mahat, a sudden team of security personnel arrived today, ordering the school to vacate the premises. As a result, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force teams are currently removing school supplies and furniture. Textbooks and materials brought for the upcoming academic session are scattered outside, adding to the chaos.

The school, which has been operating for 21 years since receiving government approval in 2062 BS, currently educates around 275 students from the settlement and surrounding areas, from grades 1 to 8.

The new academic session was scheduled to begin on the 20th of this month, and the staff had been busy with planning and preparations. However, the abrupt demolition plans have caused considerable uncertainty.

Mahat mentioned that Thimi Municipality had initially assured that the school would not be demolished and that no formal notice had been issued. The school’s management now plans to hold discussions with the municipality regarding alternative arrangements, including possible relocation.

“We haven’t even had the chance to think about where to move or how to proceed. All the textbooks and preparations for the new session were ready, and now, suddenly, the school is being demolished. It’s very distressing. What should we do now?” she said.