The Metropolitan Police Circle Bhaktapur has removed 45 temporary shelters of the earthquake victims from Bhalukhel ahead of this year’s Bisket Jatra celebrations. The festival starts on April 29.

The District Administration Office made the decision to clear the area which has been the venue for erecting a lingo (wooden pole) on the opening day of the festival. The pole is pulled down in the first morning of Nepali New Year’s day on April 14 in a symbolic destruction of evil.

The victims of last April’s devastating quake have been shifted to the shores of Hanumante River and the Siddhi Playground. “Some  of them have gone to their relatives’ place,” said Superintendent of Bhaktapur Police Circle Kiran Bajracharya. “The decision was taken after consultations with locals and concern authorities such as CDO  and municipality in the  district,” she said, adding  that the victims can return  to the place after the festival that is celebrated for eight nights and nine days in the district.