Pokhara Mayor Reveals Home Minister's Land Falls Within Phewa Lake's Protected Zone

Pokhara. Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya has disclosed that Home Minister Sudhan Gurung owns land located within the Phewa Lake basin. During a discussion regarding the lake's map, the Home Minister inquired about his own land by presenting a map.

Mayor Acharya stated that the land shown on the map falls within the lake basin. 'He showed me a map. The land on that map is inside the lake basin,' Acharya said, 'Compensation for that land is not possible.'

He noted that the incumbent Home Minister's land also falls within the 65-meter standard set by the government for the conservation of Phewa Lake. While reviewing the map, the Home Minister claimed ownership of a plot in that area.

When showing the map, Gurung had remarked, 'Oh, mine is right here! Well, mine is gone too! That is fine.'

Attempts to reach Home Minister Gurung for comment were unsuccessful. According to sources, he had leased the land in question some time ago.

There are varying opinions regarding the ownership and nature of the land. Some claim the land is unregistered and was leased for business purposes. It is reported that around 2070 BS, Gurung attempted to build tourism infrastructure with a large investment, but the plan failed due to disputes with local youth and the lake's zoning standards.

When Gurung attempted to build a swimming pool and other adventure sports structures on the lakefront, the lake was partially filled, and after disputes escalated, he withdrew from the site. His old structures still remain in that area today.

'He came once and stayed for a long time. He even started looking at the land and building some structures,' said an insider, 'The land where he built the structures was initially leased. I do not know if it was transferred later. In my opinion, the land ownership certificate (Lalpurja) has likely not been transferred.'

He also mentioned that the land does not even have a formal ownership certificate. 'Even if it was leased, this land has not been surveyed,' he said, 'It is for the government agencies to confirm.'

On Saturday, under the Home Minister's own directive, temporary structures within the 65-meter lake standard were demolished. Kaski Police reported that bulldozers were used on 32 structures. According to the Land Revenue Office, Kaski, based on reports circulating in the media, the land where his structures are located has not been surveyed. However, the specific plot number has not yet been disclosed.