Restore Phewa lake to its former state
Summary
Phewa Lake is shrinking due to encroachment, pollution, and sediment buildup, raising alarm over Pokhara’s tourism industry and the livelihoods of the Jalari community. Authorities and activists are calling for conservation measures, while the federal government and Supreme Court have ordered action to clear and protect the lake’s buffer zone.
Key Points
- Phewa Lake has shrunk from about 10.5 square kilometres in 1961 to 5.7 square kilometres in 2020 due to human and natural encroachment.
- Pollution, sediment, and construction in the lake’s catchment area are threatening Pokhara’s tourism industry and the livelihoods of the Jalari community.
- Activists and local representatives are urging siltation-control structures and stronger conservation measures to restore the lake.
- The federal government has included encroachment removal in its governance reforms agenda, and the Supreme Court has ordered the 65-metre buffer zone to be cleared and converted into a green zone.
