Nepal Moves to Reclaim Encroached Fewa Lake

Pokhara Metropolitan City in Nepal has begun a demolition drive targeting structures built within the protected boundary of Fewa Lake, one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

Authorities started the operation on Saturday from the Khapaudi area, symbolically using bulldozers on buildings that fall within a 65-meter buffer zone set by the Supreme Court.

The move follows a landmark 2018 court order that declared many lakeside land registrations illegal and called for the removal of encroachments to protect the lake’s ecosystem.

Officials say the campaign is being carried out in coordination with federal, provincial and local governments.

More than 500 private structures and several government buildings are believed to fall within the restricted zone.

While conservationists have welcomed the move, local residents are demanding fair compensation for the loss of their properties.

The demolition drive marks a significant step in Nepal’s long-running effort to preserve Fewa Lake, often described as one of the most scenic lakes in the world.