Dozers demolish illegal structures along Phewa Lake in Pokhara

KATHMANDU: Authorities have begun demolishing temporary structures built in violation of regulations along the banks of Phewa Lake in Pokhara.

The demolition drive started early Saturday morning following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Structures located within 65 meters of the lake area are being removed as part of the operation.

Dozers were also used at the Hotel Waterfront owned by tourism entrepreneur Karna Shakya. Police demolished structures including the hotel’s swimming pool and gate during the operation.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Hari Bahadur Basnet, spokesperson for the Kaski District Police Office, nearly 150 personnel from the district police, Baidam Police Office, the municipal police and the Armed Police Force Nepal have been deployed in the field.

Some local residents have expressed dissatisfaction after the demolition began.

A few days earlier, Prime Minister Balen Shah and Dhanraj Acharya, mayor of Pokhara, had held a telephone conversation regarding the issue of structures around Phewa Lake.