Pokhara Metropolitan Orders Removal of Unauthorized Structures in Firkhekhola by May 23

More than 160 structures have been constructed within the river corridor of Firkhekhola. The Pokhara Metropolitan City has issued a public notice directing all permanent and temporary structures located within the boundaries of Firkhekhola’s river corridor to be removed by May 23. Authorities have warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will result in the Metropolitan City forcibly demolishing the structures and recovering the associated costs from the responsible individuals or organizations.

According to the Metropolitan City, the area of Firkhekhola, which begins from Andherikunad of Ward No. 18 and stretches through Wards 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, and up to Gaighat of Ward No. 6, has been encroached upon, where various physical structures have been built. This river corridor drains into Phewa Lake. Technical teams from the Metropolitan City have begun removing structures falling within the boundary marked by poles placed on the eastern side. Earlier, on February 24, 2024 (Kartik 10, 2080 BS), the city had issued a 35-day notice calling for the removal of these structures.

A petition was filed against the notice at the High Court in Pokhara. However, the honorable High Court, upon hearing the case, upheld the Metropolitan City’s actions, deeming neither a stay nor an injunction necessary against the notice. This ruling legally enabled the Metropolitan City to proceed with removing the encroachments. Based on the court’s order and the notice issued by the Metropolitan City on April 17 (Baisakh 4), this final public notice has now been issued. The related individuals will be held financially responsible for all costs involved.

The Metropolitan City has urged all concerned persons and institutions to remove their structures by May 23. Should the structures remain beyond this deadline, the city will deploy bulldozers to demolish them and will rigorously recover all technical and administrative expenses incurred from the encroachers.