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Started 2 days ago · Updated 7 hours ago

Pokhara Metropolitan City Removes 105 Structures from Phirke River Encroachments

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Pokhara Metropolitan City has removed 105 structures, both private and institutional, from the Phirke River banks as part of an ongoing encroachment removal campaign. The operation, which began on June 10, utilizes bulldozers and involves police and technical staff to clear structures built on the riverbed. The metropolis plans to develop the cleared riverbank into an attractive tourist destination with amenities like cycle tracks and green spaces.

• The Phirke River measurement report from 2080 BS identified 160 structures encroaching on the riverbank, including 97 temporary and 35 permanent private structures, and 10 temporary and 18 permanent institutional structures.
• The campaign involves the use of three JCBs, two excavators, Nepal Police, Armed Police, and Metropolitan Police Force personnel.
• Following the clearing of encroachments, Pokhara Metropolitan City intends to implement the Phirke Corridor Project, aiming to develop the area into a safe tourism destination with cycle tracks, footpaths, green spaces, and lighting.
• Previous attempts to clear encroachments on the Phirke River had stalled due to legal challenges and other reasons, with a prior initiative by former mayor Man Bahadur GC halting after one day.
• Local residents have expressed support for removing structures directly over the stream but have raised concerns about the proposed 6-meter right-of-way criteria, deeming it unscientific and impractical.