Authorities Demolish Illegal Structures Along Phewa Lake in Pokhara

Pokhara. Bulldozers have been deployed to demolish temporary structures built in violation of standards along the banks of Phewa Lake in Pokhara. Following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the demolition of temporary structures within the 65-meter zone of the lake began early Saturday morning.

During the operation, the swimming pool, gate, and walls of the prominent Waterfront Resort, owned by a well-known tourism entrepreneur, were also demolished. Police deployment for the demolition began as early as 4:30 AM.

Approximately 150 personnel from the District Police Office, Baidam Police, Municipal Police, and Armed Police Force were deployed to the field. Kaski Police spokesperson DSP Hari Bahadur Basnet stated that bulldozers operated on nearly 30 structures since the morning. While there was no major obstruction, some locals expressed minor disagreement. The directive to demolish the structures arrived from Kathmandu at midnight, based on which the police coordinated with the relevant authorities, including the Pokhara Metropolitan City.

Municipal police were also mobilized based on this coordination. The Metropolitan City managed the logistics, including the bulldozers. Mayor Acharya stated that all removed structures were temporary. He assured that the removal of these structures would not affect the rights of landowners to receive compensation. 'The structures demolished now are temporary. This will not affect the process of land rights or compensation,' he said. 'Many business owners had gone to court to seek a stay order, but the process moved forward after the court did not grant one.'

The Pokhara Metropolitan City has periodically used bulldozers for such actions. Recently, following a Supreme Court order and in coordination with the provincial government, the installation of boundary poles along the lakefront has been completed. Work is currently underway to demarcate the 65-meter boundary. On Wednesday, the Pokhara Metropolitan City submitted a progress report to the Prime Minister's Office.