Bulldozers demolish structures at Karna Shakya's Waterfront Hotel in Pokhara

Pokhara. Bulldozers have been deployed at the Waterfront Hotel, owned by prominent tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya. Police began demolishing the hotel's swimming pool, gate, and other structures early Saturday morning. The operation was initiated in coordination with local authorities following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Supreme Court had previously issued a separate order for the removal of the hotel. Currently, other parts of the hotel remain untouched. Kaski Police spokesperson DSP Hari Bahadur Basnet stated that the structures were demolished because they fall within 65 meters of the lakefront. Bulldozers were also deployed in areas including Khapaudi and Sedi along the lake shore.

During the operation, some property owners pleaded for their structures to be spared, claiming they were not illegal. Locals protested the demolition, citing a lack of prior notice, but police proceeded with the operation, which is expected to continue.

The Pokhara Metropolitan City had submitted a progress report on the demarcation and conservation of the lake to Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) on Wednesday. While the federal government has not coordinated extensively with local and provincial authorities for this demolition, the Metropolitan City has deployed municipal police to assist.

A comprehensive study on the exact number of structures falling within the 65-meter zone has not yet been completed. Mayor Dhanraj Acharya noted that compensation will be required for many structures and land, and this process will continue despite the ongoing demolitions. A meeting of the Lake Standards Implementation Facilitation Committee held recently decided to complete the 65-meter demarcation by Chaitra and lift restrictions on land outside that boundary.