Pokhara, April 4: The Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) has started removing unauthorized structures along the banks of popular Phewa Lake, in line with the order of the Supreme Court.
The demolition drive is part of an effort to enforce the court’s ruling and protect the lake’s ecosystem. Authorities have begun using heavy equipment to clear structures deemed illegal within the designated area.
According to Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, the campaign has been intensified through coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments. He reiterated the city’s commitment to fully implement the Supreme Court’s decision.
Acharya said that after continuous efforts over the past three years, boundary demarcation of the lake was completed by installing poles at the end of the last fiscal year. The current phase involves removing structures within the 65-meter standard zone. He added that the work is proceeding as planned since no stay order has been issued by the court.
The mayor also noted that the Phewa Lake conservation initiative is included in the federal government’s 100-day priority programme, further strengthening coordination among different levels of government. He urged the public to support efforts to preserve the lake’s existence.
The metropolitan city confirmed that the demolition of some illegal structures has already begun and will continue in the coming days, with expectations that the move will help restore the lake’s natural beauty and area.
However, local business owners have expressed dissatisfaction. One business operator, Prakriti Subedi, alleged that structures were demolished without prior notice or compensation.
“We were not formally informed. It was earlier said that legal and illegal structures would be identified first and compensation would be provided before demolition, but neither has happened,” she said.
Subedi also accused authorities of selectively enforcing the 65-meter rule, calling for fair and equal implementation.
While business owners say they support the conservation of Phewa Lake, they have demanded a transparent and just process. Meanwhile, the metropolitan authorities maintain that there will be no compromise in implementing the court’s order. #nepal #pokhara #phewa
