Demolition drive along Firke Khola begins; ultimatum to clear bus park encroachments issued

POKHARA, May 24: Pokhara Metropolitan City on Sunday launched a large-scale demolition drive against structures built along the encroached Firke Khola corridor, deploying bulldozers simultaneously from three locations.

The campaign, led by Mayor Dhanraj Acharya and ward chairpersons, aims to remove structures constructed within the river boundary and develop a river corridor after years of political controversy and delays.

According to the metropolitan office, demolition began at Andheri Kuna along the Ward 2–18 border, at Firke Bridge near Budhanilkantha Temple, and at Zero Kilometer near the Lions Club building.

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The action follows a 2023 survey report that identified 160 structures built within the river boundary, including government offices, community buildings and private houses. The metropolis had earlier issued a public notice asking owners to remove all permanent and temporary structures by May 23.

Some local groups, including photographers’ associations and community organizations, had already started dismantling structures on their own after the notice was issued.

Officials said encroachment along the stream — stretching from Andheri Kuna to Gaighat before it flows into Phewa Lake — has contributed to pollution, sewage discharge, and sediment buildup in the lake.

Meanwhile, the Pokhara Valley Town Development Committee has issued a fresh 15-day ultimatum to vacate unauthorized structures inside the long-delayed Pokhara Bus Park area.

Business operators and occupants have been warned to clear shops and structures voluntarily or face forced removal under the law. People claiming land ownership inside the bus park area have also been asked to submit ownership documents within seven days.

The bus park project, originally planned in 1974 on 205 ropanis of land, has remained stalled for decades amid widespread encroachment. According to the latest metropolitan data, only around 26 ropanis of the original land remain under effective control.