Pokhara, May 30, 2025 - In a significant move to preserve the iconic Phewa Lake, a coordinated effort to install boundary pillars around the lake is set to commence. This initiative follows a directive from the Supreme Court and aims to protect the lake's ecosystem while ensuring clarity on its periphery.
The Supreme Court-mandated Implementation Coordination Committee has announced plans to install 155 pillars around Phewa Lake. Surendra Raj Pandey, Chief Minister of Gandaki Province and chairperson of the committee, stated during a press briefing that the installation would begin on Saturday with the active involvement of federal, provincial, and local governments.
"This marks the beginning of a comprehensive plan to execute the Supreme Court’s ruling and safeguard Phewa Lake for future generations," Pandey remarked.
Detailed Survey Completed
A technical subcommittee, using advanced GPS technology and drone surveys, has completed an extensive survey of the lake's boundaries. According to Dhanraj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, 29 primary reference points have been established, and 29 pillars measuring 40 centimeters in height have already been placed underground as benchmarks. Additionally, 9,000 control points have been identified to aid in precision mapping.
The high flood level of the lake has been set at 794.95 meters, following a thorough review of historical records and maps from the past decade. Based on this level, the lake's natural boundary spans 6.343 square kilometers, equivalent to 12,468 ropanis of land. Including the mandated 65-meter buffer zone, the total protected area expands to 7.616 square kilometers or approximately 14,970 ropanis.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Steps
The implementation plan has been formulated through discussions involving political leaders, stakeholders, and former task force coordinators. The next phase will involve an assessment of land usage within the demarcated lake area, evaluating the necessity for compensation, identifying fraudulent registrations, and reviewing land ownership before and after 1974. An assessment of physical structures within the buffer zone will also be conducted.
Supreme Court's Vision for Conservation
On July 4, 2023, the Supreme Court issued a directive to the Government of Nepal, Gandaki Province Government, and Pokhara Metropolitan City to declare a 65-meter buffer zone from the lake's high water mark and promote greenery within this zone. The court emphasized the need for sustainable conservation practices to restore and maintain the ecological balance of Phewa Lake.
This initiative underscores the collective commitment of Nepal’s three tiers of government to environmental conservation. By addressing land encroachment and ensuring ecological sustainability, the project seeks to safeguard one of Nepal's most treasured natural assets.
