Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya States Home Minister Sudan Gurung’s Land Falls Within Phewa Lake Regulations and Must Be Removed

Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya has stated that Home Minister Sudan Gurung’s land lies within the 65-meter regulation boundary of Phewa Lake. The Supreme Court issued an order on Ashad 4, 2080 (June 19, 2023) to uphold the 65-meter boundary regulation around Phewa Lake. Efforts are underway to identify polluted lands within this boundary and to arrange compensation, with a focus on enforcing this regulation.

Before operating bulldozers to clear structures within the regulated area in Khapaundi on Saturday morning, Mayor Acharya held discussions with Home Minister Gurung. During their conversation, the mayor noted, “He showed me maps and said, ‘My land is also there; you can see where it lies.’ I pointed out that it is within the Phewa Lake’s area, within the 65-meter boundary. If it’s within the boundary, all structures must be removed.”

Home Minister Gurung had purchased land in the upper Anadu area of Phewa Lake and was operating a small watersports business by erecting huts there. However, despite ongoing efforts to identify polluted lands within the regulation zone, Gurung’s name has not yet appeared in any official records. Since the government previously had limited success in implementing the Phewa Lake regulations, there is renewed hope that the issue will be addressed decisively under the new, more powerful government.

Also on Saturday morning, bulldozers were operated within the premises of Park Village Waterfront Resort, owned by tourism entrepreneur Karn Shakya. The Pokhara Metropolitan City has issued notices requiring the removal of structures within 15 days. Locals have been demanding clear master plans and alternatives before any demolition proceeds. Although the metropolitan authorities have repeatedly requested that no buildings be constructed within Phewa Lake’s protected area and have urged removal of existing illegal structures, construction work has not been fully halted.