‘Support from Prime Minister Balendra Opens Path to Resolve Fewa Lake Dispute’

Summary: Pokhara Metropolitan City has begun operating bulldozers since Saturday to remove encroached structures, enforcing the 65-meter regulation around Fewa Lake. In 2018, the Supreme Court directed the cancellation of lands registered after 1974 along the lake shore, along with beautification and removal of encroachments. Coordination between the federal government and Pokhara Metropolitan is underway to arrange compensation and expedite implementation of the Fewa Lake regulations. Since Saturday morning, bulldozers have been active at Fewa Lake in Kaski’s Pokhara, as the metropolitan city initiates action to clear structures on encroached land. This issue was also included in the new government’s administrative reform agenda.

The Supreme Court’s 2018 order mandated cancellation of lakeside lands registered after 1974, enforcement of the 65-meter boundary, beautification, and removal of encroachments. After receiving directives from the federal government this year, removal of encroached structures commenced on Saturday. Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Dhanraj Acharya, stated that working has become considerably easier following support from Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen).

In an afternoon interview on Saturday with reporter Amrit Subedi, Mayor Acharya said, “Today’s bulldozer operation is not just a single event but part of an ongoing process. Actions to remove encroached structures have been progressing even before this.” A facilitation committee led by Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey advised releasing lands beyond the 65-meter boundary. Efforts to identify lands eligible for compensation are advancing.

Fewa Lake-related matters are included in Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s list of 100 priority programs, which has led to special pressure and even telephone discussions to accelerate the work. After the deadline for voluntarily removing structures, public notices will be issued, and removal will be enforced against those who fail to comply. Implementation of the standards requires significant financial resources.

Is resolving the Fewa Lake dispute feasible? Will the implementation of standards be effective? We are seeking a long-term resolution to this conflict. We have already identified the highest water flow points and established the 65-meter regulation accordingly. Coordination is ongoing between the province, metropolitan city, and district administration. Compensation processes are underway in collaboration with the federal government.