From exposure to enforcement: How Republica helped drive the fight to save Phewa Lake
Summary
Republica's persistent investigative journalism over years played a pivotal role in exposing and prompting enforcement actions against illegal encroachments on Phewa Lake, leading to government demolition drives to protect the lake.
Key Points
- Republica exposed illegal land registration within Phewa Lake's Ramsar wetland site and its shrinkage from 10 sq km to 4.2 sq km in 2017.
- Sustained media coverage led to legal actions including Supreme Court directives to demarcate and protect the lake.
- In 2023, the Supreme Court ordered demolition of illegal structures within 65 metres of Phewa Lake's banks, leading to enforcement in 2026.
- The demolition campaign involved coordination between Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Pokhara Metropolitan City, and political leaders including Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
