SATV, Kathmandu, May. 25 - Authorities have begun removing structures built along the Firke Khola stream that flows through the central area of Pokhara.

According to the Pokhara Metropolitan City, around 160 permanent and temporary structures have been built within the stream’s flow area from Adherikuna in Ward No. 18 through the city centre.

The eight-kilometre-long stream passes through Ward Nos. 2, 18, 4, 5, 7, 8, 6 and 17 before flowing into Phewa Lake.Demolition of structures built directly over the stream began at 10 am on Sunday. 

According to the report published by a demarcation team formed by the metropolitan city, in 2023, around 160 structures had encroached the land on the stream corridor.

Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya launched the encroachment eviction campaign from Zero Kilometer area and stressed the need to maintain the natural flow of the stream.

“We can discuss standards later, but the immediate issue is the stream corridor itself. Houses should not be built over the stream,” he said.

The metropolitan city had issued a 35-day notice asking people to vacate the stream area, with the deadline expiring on Saturday.

Demolition work began from Adherikuna, located on the border of Ward Nos. 2 and 18, Firkepul Budhanilkantha Temple area between Ward Nos. 4 and 5, and the Lions Club building area at Zero Kilometre.

According to the Firke Khola survey report prepared in June 2023, all types of structures built within the stream corridor are to be removed.

The metropolitan city said it plans to manage settlements of landless squatters living in the area, while removing other structures.

In some places, the stream remains wide, while in others it has become very narrow, with hume pipes laid across it and structures built on top.

Under the latest guidelines issued by Pokhara Metropolitan City, a standard width of six metres has been fixed for Firke Khola.