Pokhara, Nepal – The long-awaited initiative to demarcate the boundaries of Phewa Lake, one of Nepal’s most iconic natural landmarks, is underway following a directive from the Supreme Court. Representatives from federal, provincial, and local governments jointly commenced the process on Jestha 17 (May 30).
The project involves installing boundary markers around the lake’s perimeter to ensure compliance with a mandated 65-meter conservation standard from the high water (flood) level. To date, over 350 markers have been installed, with plans to complete the installation of all 1,055 markers along the lake's 16-kilometer perimeter.
Speaking about the initiative, Mayor Dhanraj Acharya of Pokhara Metropolitan City emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort. “We have installed markers from Barahichowk to Damside and are progressing westward. Once the demarcation is complete, encroached land will be cleared, and discussions with the Prime Minister about compensation for affected landowners have also taken place,” Mayor Acharya stated.
The Supreme Court’s 2075 BS (2018/19 AD) decision mandated that the government enforce the 65-meter conservation area, delineate the lake’s boundaries, and remove illegal structures. This directive addresses decades of encroachment by individuals and institutions, including unauthorized construction of houses, hotels, and commercial facilities around the lake.
As part of the demarcation, land registered before 2031 BS (1974/75 AD) will be separated from land registered afterward. The court also deemed plots registered during periods when the lake’s dam broke as encroached and ordered their evacuation. Approximately 4,500 plots of land fall within the designated conservation area.
Phewa Lake, a critical ecological and tourism resource, has been under pressure from both natural and human encroachments. The ongoing effort aims to restore and preserve the lake’s ecological integrity while addressing legal and social challenges associated with encroachments.
This project signifies a pivotal step in balancing development, conservation, and legal compliance, ensuring the sustainability of one of Nepal’s most treasured natural resources.
