Pokhara Metropolis Removes 160 Structures from Phirke River

Kaski. Pokhara Metropolitan City has removed 160 structures, both permanent and temporary, from within the riverbank of the Phirke River, which flows through the middle of the market. The metropolis had started removing encroached structures in Phirke from May 10.

The metropolis has stated that it has made the campaign to clean the Phirke River and remove encroachments, which is connected to the conservation of Phewa Lake, more effective.

Metropolis Chief Dhanraj Acharya said that the campaign has been conducted to protect the natural flow of the Phirke River, which starts from Andherikuna in Ward No. 18 of Pokhara, passes through Wards No. 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 17, and mixes with Phewa Lake in Ward No. 6 GaiGhat.

Similarly, the metropolis has urged the concerned individuals and organizations to remove the partially removed structures from the Phirke riverbank themselves within the stipulated time. Excavators, JCBs, and the Metropolitan Police Force have been mobilized for the management of debris removed from the riverbank cleaning.

The Metropolitan City has warned that sewage is being discharged directly into the Phirke River and has given a deadline of 10 days to construct septic tanks and soak pits and stop discharging sewage into the river. Otherwise, legal action will be taken as per the law, according to a notice issued by the metropolis.

Similarly, to protect the Phirke River, the metropolis has reduced the river's setback line from 10 meters to six meters as per the Building and Infrastructure Construction Standard-2080, and has urged the city dwellers not to construct any structures within that area.

"The Metropolitan City will soon make public detailed information about the Phirke River Corridor Construction Project and structures built within the standards. Building any structure within the Phirke setback line is illegal," said Mayor Acharya.

The metropolis has removed structures from the Phirke riverbank with the aim of conserving Phewa Lake by controlling the increasing encroachment, garbage, and sewage mixing problems in the Phirke River. After removing the encroached structures, the metropolis plans to build a footpath on both sides of the Phirke.