Pokhara Removes 51 Structures in Firke Encroachment Drive

Pokhara. Under the campaign to remove encroachment in Pokhara's Firke, bulldozers have run over 51 structures in 2 days. The metropolis started the campaign to clear the riverbanks on Sunday. The metropolis informed that a total of 51 structures, small and large, have been removed in the first and second days. 

On the second day, Monday, 31 structures were removed. Among them, 6 structures were demolished at the border of Wards 18 and 2, and 9 structures in Wards 4 and 5. Similarly, 15 structures, including the Radhakrishna Community Building in Ward 8, have been removed.

According to the metropolis, 3 JCBs and 2 excavators are being used in the campaign, while 434 personnel including Nepal Police, Armed Police, Metropolitan Police, and technicians are deployed in the field. 'This campaign, started with the objective of making the natural flow of the river smooth and removing encroachment, has received extensive support from local residents, representatives, and the security bodies so far,' said Mayor Dhanraj Acharya. Many have expressed concern about the risk that the debris or materials from the removed structures could obstruct the river's flow.

Mayor Acharya informed that such materials are being removed from the river immediately. The metropolis has deployed a technical team and a team with excavators from Adherikuna. He stated that if the debris obstructs the natural path of the river, the team will immediately manage it and ensure the river's path is cleared.

After the riverbank of the Firke River is completely cleared, it will be developed as an attractive tourist destination, he said. 'We will develop it not just as a river, but as a safe corridor with a cycle lane, footpath, greenery promotion, and modern lighting,' he said. The metropolis has urged not to go near the work area and obstruct the work.