Pokhara's Phirke River Faces Encroachment Crisis as Authorities Prepare for Demolition
Summary
Pokhara's Phirke River faces severe encroachment and pollution due to unauthorized constructions and urban waste, prompting the city to issue demolition notices and plan a restoration project.
Key Points
- Since 2075 BS, multiple attempts to remove illegal structures on Phirke River's riverbed have faced delays due to unclear policies and court interventions.
- A survey identified 160 illegal structures in the riverbed, including temporary and permanent homes, institutions, and government buildings like the APF training center.
- The Phirke River has become severely polluted, impacting the Phewa Lake and local ecology, and has lost its former use for drinking and agriculture.
- Pokhara Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, has issued a 35-day notice for demolition and plans to restore the river with a Rs 7 billion project funded by the Asian Development Bank.
