Kathmandu, Nov. 8 -- Conservationists, heritage lovers and members of the civil society will hold a demonstration on Saturday and form a human chain to put pressure on the government to reclaim Tundikhel, one of Kathmandu Valley's largest open spaces for public gatherings, which has been heavily encroached upon in recent years.

Conservation activists say government's apathy towards Tundikhel has turned what was once an open green landmass into an urban nightmare, replete with encroachments. Besides the Nepal Army headquarters, the open stretch of land is home to a bus station, a car parking area and a dumping site for construction waste.

"Tundikhel belongs to nearly 30 million Nepalis. This is the only place where we can breathe fresh a...