Boat race in Phewa Lake today

By Phadindra Adhikari,Lekhnath, May 31: A boat race is scheduled to take place on Phewa Lake in Pokhara, aiming to promote the lake's scenic beauty and raise awareness about the possible risks faced by the lake. Organised by the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province, the National Open Boat Race Competition will take place on May 31.

At a press conference held in Pokhara on Wednesday, it was revealed that the event will be managed by the Phewa Boat Entrepreneurs’ Association. According to Maniraj Lamichhane, Head of the Tourism Board for Gandaki Province, the race aims to publicise the allure of the lake both nationally and internationally while sensitising the public to the risks the lake faces.

“Our goal is to promote Phewa’s beauty at home and abroad, and simultaneously generate awareness about the potential dangers faced by the lake,” said Lamichhane. He also expressed hopes that the event would further boost tourism in Pokhara.

The competition will feature separate categories for men and women. The women’s race will span roughly two kilometres, beginning at Barahighat, circling the Lichigarden, and returning to the starting point. Likewise, the men’s category will cover around 3 kilometres, beginning at Barahighat and covering the Lake House before returning to the starting point, according to Balram Giri, Chair of the Competition Management Committee and also President of the Phewa Boat Entrepreneurs’ Association.

Giri informed that the team securing the first place will receive a cash prize of Rs. 40,000, the team securing the second position will receive Rs. 30,000. Likewise, the third-place winner will receive Rs. 20,000 and the consolation prize winner will receive Rs. 10,000. The cash prize will be accompanied by medals and certificates.

The organisers anticipate the participation of 20 teams in the men’s category and 10 in the women’s. Each team will consist of three boat rowers. Across the lake’s eight ghats, there are currently 712 boats registered under the Boat Entrepreneurs’ Committees.

This fiscal year alone, 38 people have been rescued alive from the lake, while one fatality has been recorded. Accidents occur periodically due to negligence and unpredictable events.