Pokhara metro issues notice to remove illegal structures around Phewa Lake

BY PHADINDRA ADHIKARI,Lekhnath, Feb. 19: Pokhara Metropolitan City has issued a 15-day ultimatum to remove illegal structures built in violation of the standards of Phewa Lake and road boundary regulations. 

The metropolitan office sent official letters to restaurants and cafes constructed without permission in the Khapaudi and Ratodanda areas of Ward No. 18, instructing them to dismantle the structures themselves.

On Wednesday, the metropolitan office sent separate notices to Lazy Bee Restaurant, California Garden and Coffee Shop, directing them to remove the illegal structures. The office stated that it had already begun removing structures built after the demarcation of the lake’s Taal Ghar (lake boundary area). For structures built before the demarcation, due legal procedures will be followed in accordance with existing laws.

Lazy Bee Restaurant and California Garden, located in Khapaudi, have constructed illegal structures within the designated Taal Ghar area of Phewa Lake. The metropolitan office claimed that despite repeated verbal warnings and even the seizure of construction materials, the businesses continued construction in defiance of the authorities.

Similarly, a coffee shop in Ratodanda has built a structure within the road boundary and in a manner that could cause traffic accidents. According to a letter signed by Acting Chief Administrative Officer Hem Prasad Acharya, if the structures are not removed within 15 days, the metropolitan office will demolish them under the provisions of the Local Government Operation Act, 2017.

He further stated that all costs incurred in demolishing the structures will be recovered from the concerned business firms. The metropolitan office has also sent copies of the notice to the District Administration Office, District Police Office, and Ward Police Office Baidam for their information.

On Monday, the metropolitan office demolished two structures under construction without permission in Sedi and Ratodanda. The buildings under construction by Kishor Dahal in Ratodanda and Sushil Gurung in Sedi were demolished.

Following a Supreme Court order, the metropolitan office has already installed boundary markers to demarcate Phewa Lake and has announced that it will now remove all structures built within the lake area. Information Officer Krishna Prasad Tiwari stated that notices will soon be issued to remove all structures within the Taal Ghar area.

“Soon, a public notice will be issued asking owners to remove the structures built within the lake boundary themselves,” he said. “If they fail to do so, the metropolitan office will remove them and recover the incurred costs from the concerned parties.”