Authorities in Nepal have launched a demolition drive targeting illegal encroachments around Phewa Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, following a Supreme Court order. The move has ignited heated debates over environmental conservation and property rights.
The court’s directive, issued last month, mandates the removal of structures built within the lake’s 65-meter buffer zone. Officials estimate that over 100 buildings, including hotels and residences, violate this regulation. “This is a necessary step to preserve the lake for future generations,” said a government spokesperson, who requested anonymity.
Phewa Lake, located in Pokhara, is Nepal’s second-largest lake and a major tourist attraction. Environmentalists have long warned that unchecked urbanization threatens its ecosystem. “The lake’s water level has dropped significantly due to sedimentation and encroachment,” noted Dr. Anil Shrestha, a hydrologist at Kathmandu University.
However, affected property owners argue that the demolition drive lacks due process. “Many of us have legal land ownership documents,” said Ram Bahadur Gurung, a local hotelier. “This sudden action is devastating for our livelihoods.”
The government has promised compensation for legal owners but details remain unclear. Analysts suggest this move could set a precedent for similar cases across Nepal, where environmental conservation often conflicts with development interests.