Pokhara. Authorities demolished dozens of illegal temporary structures along the Phewa Lake shoreline early Saturday, acting on a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The operation began around 4:30 am, targeting structures built within 65 meters of the lake in violation of regulations. Nearly 30 structures were cleared using bulldozers, according to DSP Hari Bahadur Basnet.
Among the demolished properties were parts of a high-profile lakeside resort, including its swimming pool, gate, and boundary walls. The move followed midnight instructions from Kathmandu, after which police coordinated with the Pokhara Metropolitan City to carry out the demolition work.
Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Baidam Police, and municipal police deployed around 150 personnel. Despite the absence of significant obstacles, a handful of locals expressed mild disapproval during the demolition.
Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said all demolished structures were temporary and their removal would not affect land ownership rights or compensation claims. He added that several business owners had sought stay orders from the court, but the court declined, allowing the operation to proceed.
Authorities have been conducting periodic enforcement drives along the lake. Following a recent order from the Supreme Court of Nepal, boundary demarcation work along the 65-meter limit is ongoing in coordination with the provincial government. A progress report was submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office earlier this week.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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