Pokhara Metropolis to Implement Supreme Court's Order on Phewa Lake and Lakeside Open 24 Hours

The Pokhara Metropolis has included in its policy and program for the upcoming financial year 2080/81 the commitment to adhere to the Supreme Court's order to remove structures within the 65-meter standard of Phewa Lake.

During the 13th Municipal Assembly held on Sunday, Mayor Dhana Raj Acharya presented the policy and program for the financial year 2080/81 and assured that necessary measures would be taken to implement the Supreme Court's directive for Phewa Lake conservation.

Furthermore, the metropolis has adopted a policy to safeguard the wetlands and watershed areas of Pokhara's other lakes listed in the World Ramsar list, including Phewa Lake.

Mayor Acharya stated, "A special program will be conducted to protect the watersheds and wetlands of lakes listed in the Ramsar list, including Phewa, Begnas, Rupa."

The Supreme Court, on Ashad 5, decided to maintain the 65-meter standard for Phewa Lake and ordered the removal of structures falling within this limit.

Additionally, the metropolis has expressed its intention to initiate the operation of Pokhara Lakeside 24 hours a day. Mayor Acharya informed that proper arrangements would be made to manage vehicular traffic and regulate nighttime businesses in the lakeside area.

Moreover, the metropolis has emphasized the need to establish standards on both sides for the conservation of Firkekhola, which is under significant pressure from encroachment. Mayor Acharya mentioned that after determining the criteria for restoration, foottracks and cycle lanes would be implemented.

The metropolis plans to collaborate with the community forest to develop a monkey management policy. They will conduct research focusing on the preferred crops of monkeys in the forest. Mayor Acharya stated, "Necessary coordination will be undertaken with the relevant agencies."

In a significant announcement, Pokhara Metropolis declared that it would provide up to 10,000 liters of free drinking water to impoverished families starting from the next financial year. Mayor Acharya informed that a metropolitan profile survey was currently underway to identify the households in need.

The Pokhara Metropolitan Municipality intends to replace vehicles that are more than 20 years old. Mayor Acharya, while presenting the policy and program for the next financial year, mentioned the installation of GPS and electronic payment systems in public transportation. He emphasized the strict enforcement of taxi services using meters, prioritizing passenger interests. The metropolis has also adopted a policy mandating the implementation of pollution control certificates for vehicles operating within its jurisdiction and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.

Furthermore, the metropolis has committed to effectively enforce the government's policy of a complete ban on the use, dumping, and burning of plastic bags and water bottles with a thickness of less than 40 microns in public places.

The metropolis plans to allocate an additional budget of Rs. 10 for mid-day meal expenses for students.

To implement the school education reform program, the metropolis will organize training sessions to introduce mother tongue-based instruction at the primary level.