The Jalari Community's Struggle for Survival on the Shores of Phewa Lake
Summary
The Jalari community, residing on the shores of Phewa Lake for around 300 years, faces displacement and environmental challenges as the lake shrinks due to siltation and government development policies.
Key Points
- The Jalari community has lived for about 300 years on the shores of Phewa Lake and is deeply connected to the lake and fishing livelihood.
- Phewa Lake has shrunk significantly due to silt carried by streams from highlands, road expansion, and government policies, with about one-third filled in.
- Fish populations, especially native species, have drastically declined due to invasive species, pollution, and disruption of spawning areas.
- The community fears displacement due to government plans enforcing a 65-meter lake standard and bulldozing, but they advocate for soil removal from the lake and controlling silt inflow instead.
