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Pokhara, a city celebrated for its shimmering lakes and natural beauty, needs saving from rampant environmental degradation. Pollution has been escalating at an alarming rate, severely impacting the indigenous communities whose livelihoods depend on the lake water. Despite their tireless efforts, a sustainable solution remains elusive, highlighting the urgent need for action to conserve the lakes.

Shobha Shrestha, a resident of Damside on the eastern shore of Fewa Lake, recalls the time when the lake’s crystal-clear waters rippled gently, filling her with a sense of calm. “You could drink the lake water without any worry,” she says. “You can do that now because of pollution.” 

Shanti Pahari, a resident of Khahare, shares similar sentiments. She leads a local women’s group that has been actively involved in the Fewa cleaning effort.“The pollution never stops, no matter how often we clean the lake,” she says. “The lake is turning into a sewage dumping site.”

Lake pollution has also hit the local fishing communities. Mina Jalari, who belongs to a fishing community of Khapaudi, says their daily catch has significantly declined over the years. Just a decade ago she used to catch up to 30 kg of fish in a day. “These days, you are lucky if you catch 5 kg of fish. Our traditional occupation is at risk,” says Jalari.

Deforestation of Panchase Forest, which serves as an important lifeline for Fewa, has also contributed to disrupting the lake’s ecosystem. “Illegal logging, poaching, and wildfires have become common,” says Durga Bahadur Ghale, who is part of a local anti-poaching unit. “Our mission is to protect the forest because it is home to many plant and animal species and plays a key role in maintaining Fewa’s ecological balance.”

Rupa Lake, once famous for its abundant lotus flowers, has also seen a drastic decline in its aquatic flora in recent years.“Lotus plants thrived along the shores just a decade ago, but now they are found in only small patches,” says Ganga Gurung, who presides over Rupa Women’s Group. The loss is ecological and cultural. Locals have been using lotus flowers and plants for traditional remedies. Now, such practices are fading.

The Rupa Restoration and Fisheries Development Cooperative has been working to conserve biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods. However, over the past five years, environmental challenges have taken a heavy toll.

Last year, the cooperative earned Rs 15m from fish sales, but this year, losses have climbed to Rs 4m. Shivraj Adhikari, president of the cooperative, notes that without any revenue, they will be unable to fund projects like pesticide-free farming, women’s economic empowerment, and watershed conservation.“We have dedicated our lives to preserving this lake, but the outcomes are not so promising these days,” he says.

The plight of Pokhara’s lakes reflects a broader environmental emergency—one that threatens not only the natural landscape but also the people whose lives depend on it.

According to a 2020 report by the Gandaki Provincial Government and Pokhara Metropolitan City, Fewa covers 5.7 square kilometers (11,000 ropanis) and has an average depth of 8.4 meters. However, a 1998 survey by the Survey of India recorded Fewa’s area at 22,000 ropanis—double its current size.

Despite continuous cleanup efforts by locals and environmental groups, pollution and encroachment in Fewa continue unabated. 

“I have seen the lake shrink over the years. The areas that were once underwater are now above ground level,” says Khagendra Gurung, a local man.

Unrecognized community sacrifices 

Around 20 years ago, 200 families gave up their farmlands to conserve Maidi Lake, a wetland habitat known for its ducks and herons. The construction of a check dam overflowed the lake, submerging their fields. However, they have yet to receive any compensation. Instead, invasive weeds have proliferated, affecting the lake’s ecosystem. 

“Unwanted weeds have taken over the lake and very little has been done to conserve the wetland,” says Kriti Ballabh Tripathi, who surrendered 14 ropanis of his land for the wetland conservation program. He regrets giving his farmland for which he hasn't been compensated yet. 

In Dipang Lake, locals faced a similar crisis when invasive weeds took over the water. Their call for help went unanswered, so they formed a lake conservation committee and launched a campaign to remove the weeds from the lake. Their campaign lasted for nearly five years, during which they raised around Rs 50m with the help of local individuals, organizations, and institutions to clear the weeds. 

“We transformed Dipang from a mere pond into a proper lake, but since then, continuing conservation efforts has not been easy,” says Ramji Lamichhane, founding chair of the committee.

Despite their tireless efforts to protect the surrounding wildlife and vegetation, he says no governmental or private entity has shown interest in supporting their conservation efforts.

In Begnas Lake, the local Jalari (fishing) community dedicates one day per week to voluntary labor cleaning the lake. They have also formed a committee for forest and wildlife conservation. But their efforts have gone unrecognized.

In Rupa Lake, plummeting fish stocks have prompted the locals to appeal to all three levels of government for help. But they haven’t received any proper response. “It pains us that even the local government has failed to take an interest in solving our problems,” says Adhikari, the president of Rupa Restoration and Fisheries Development Cooperative. 

Even when programs related to lake conservation are implemented, the local government fails to involve the locals. The Fewa Damside Community Development Organizations has been organizing lake clean-up and tree plantation campaigns for decades now, but its members say they have received little to no support from their local government.

Shrinking lake

Environmental experts estimate that 14,200 tons of silt accumulate in Fewa Lake annually. Rapid spread of water hyacinth in Pokhara’s lakes is clear evidence of pollution. As waste accumulates in the lakes, essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus increase significantly, disrupting the wetland ecosystem. The excessive presence of these nutrients leads to a decrease in plankton, which is crucial for the aquatic ecosystem. 

A study conducted in 2023 by the Journal of the Nepal Chemical Society found that the average phosphate level in Pokhara’s lakes is 0.0036, while the nitrate level is 27.156—both exceeding the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“As nitrogen and phosphorus levels rise, the growth of invasive water hyacinth also accelerates, causing an imbalance in the lake’s ecosystem,” says environmentalist Anil Suvedi. 

Water hyacinth reproduces at an alarming rate, doubling in number every week. From a single sapling, around 1,200 offspring can be produced within four months, and in one year, its biomass can reach 18,000 metric tons per hectare.

With a population of around 400,000, Pokhara’s main settlements are intersected by the Firke and Bulaundi rivers, which have turned into major carriers of urban sewage due to rapid urbanization. Carelessly discarded waste flows into these rivers through drains, eventually ending up in Fewa Lake. The use of pesticides in farming, along with chemical runoff, further contributes to the pollution of the lake’s surrounding environment.

Additionally, hotels and houses near the lake have built sewage outlets and septic tanks directly connected to the lake, further worsening the situation, according to environmentalists.

“Unplanned development projects conducted without proper environmental impact assessments have also led to soil erosion, increasing sediment deposition in the lake and affecting both its size and ecological balance,” says Suvedi.

Campaign by civil society

The civil society of Pokhara organizes at least two annual lake clean-up events, during which they remove a minimum of 30 truckloads of water hyacinth and plastic waste from Fewa Lake alone. 

“Yet, the pollution in the lake has not decreased,” says Narendra Man Lalchan, president of Civil Society Kaski. “People still need to understand that polluting the lake directly impacts the entire ecosystem surrounding it.”

A few years ago, this civil society launched a grand campaign for environmental protection. Under this initiative, hundreds of social organizations and groups in Pokhara joined hands to address the problems of wetland areas. Over 1,200 social organizations—including women's groups, community development organizations, various professional associations, governmental and non-governmental bodies, the army, and the police—are involved in this campaign. 

Pokhara Metropolitan City consists of 33 wards. Each fiscal year, the Metropolitan Executive Council approves and allocates budgets for an average of 70 plans (programs) from each ward. However, many wards do not include environmental conservation programs. In the current fiscal year, approximately 2,500 programs have been included in Pokhara Metropolitan City’s ‘Red Book–Plan and Budget Allocation Document’. Among them, only 56 programs—just 2.24 percent—are related to environmental conservation.

Under the environmental promotion program for the current fiscal year, Pokhara Metropolitan City has allocated a budget of Rs 583m for 13 programs. Additionally, under tourism and cultural promotion, around Rs 200m has been allocated for five programs related to environmental beautification. This accounts for only about 1.5 percent of the total budget.

As of mid-February, no contracts for these programs have been awarded, and the tender process has not yet begun. The Urban Development, Tourism, and Environment Division of Pokhara Metropolitan City stated that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for about 20 percent of these programs is still in progress.

According to Division Chief Bimal Ranjan Karki, the lack of skilled technical personnel and experienced contractors has hindered the implementation of several programs despite the intent to execute them. Since the last fiscal year, the metropolitan city has assigned projects worth less than Rs 5m to consumer committees, while larger projects are handled by contractors.

Local stakeholders of Pokhara held a discussion on raising collective voices to save the Himalayas of Gandaki region.

Organizing a dialogue on “The Voice of Himalaya Parbat” at Tuse Village of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-1 on Saturday, they said that climate change has directly and indirectly affected different sectors  in the Gandaki region.

They published a 11-point declaration to unite for climate justice in the Gandaki region.

''Gandaki region is more at risk of climate change impacts,” Minister for Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province Besh Bahadur Poudel said, highlighting the urgent need for effective climate action.  

The Save Our Himalaya First (SOHF) Nepal in collaboration with Gandaki Province Forest Ministry, Province Policy and Planning Commission, Gandaki University, INSEC, NGO Federation Nepal Gandaki, Pokhara Metropolitan City Office, Rural Municipalities of Kaski, Mukta Foundation and Utpidit Mahila Jagaran Kendra among others organized the event.

Around 200 local villagers took part in the event, urging authorities to compensate the people of Kharapani area affected by the floods in Seti river in 2015,   

''It is most painful to recall that incident in which 72 people lost their lives and around half dozen people went missing,” Machhapuchhre Municipality Vice Chair Sita Adhikari said.

Various issues like flash flood hazard in Himalayan region, climate change, women and tourism, climate change and human rights and climate and biodiversity in the Gandaki region were discussed in the program.

Dr Krishna KC, Geographer Khagendra Raj Poudel, tourism entrepreneur Lucky Chhetri Karki, NHRC Gandaki Chief Nitu Gadtaula and Director of LIBIRD Bharat Bhandari aired their views on the issues.

Local people thanked the organizers and stakeholders for holding such an important program in Tuse Village, expressing commitment to keep the environment always safe and sound.

Gandaki Province Policy and Planning Commission Vice Chair Krishna Chandra Devkota, Gandaki Province Assembly members- Govinda Nepali, Nanda Prasad Neupane, Kusum Budha Pun—Prof Dr Kapil Adhikari, Pokhara Metropolitan City Office spokesperson Moti Raj Timilsina, SOHF Nepal Chair DB Nepali and INSEC Pokhara Chief Shiva Khakurel committed to take urgent action to combat climate change in Gandaki region.

Ram Bahadur Nepali, a resident of Gaighat near Phewa Lake, anxiously prepares each year for the rainy season, when the Phirkey River brings floods of waste into his community. The river flows directly into the lake, close to his home. For years, Ram Bahadur and his neighbors have voluntarily cleaned the area, a practice they began even before the establishment of the local government. Despite their efforts, no government representatives have ever inquired about their work, and no officials have participated in the clean-ups.

“We often find dead animals—cats, dogs, cows, and oxen—along with household waste brought by the river, especially during the rainy season. But we make sure it doesn’t enter the lake,” Nepali said, explaining how the community manages the waste on their own.

A significant issue in the area is a broken check dam, left unrepaired for nearly nine years after the Phirkey River’s overflow destroyed it. Despite repeated requests, the local government has taken no action to fix it.

This problem extends beyond Gaighat, as other areas around Phewa Lake face similar challenges. For decades, civil society and local communities have worked tirelessly to preserve the lake, removing tons of waste each year. They express frustration at the lack of government attention, noting that officials neither monitor the types nor the volume of waste collected.

“We do this for the public good and for our own satisfaction, but it would be much better if the government also took action,” said Ram Bahadur Poudel, a long-time advocate for Phewa Lake’s sanitation and founding chairperson of Civil Society Kaski.

The Civil Society Kaski has led voluntary waste management efforts around Phewa Lake for years. Their records show that during each clean-up, they collect nearly 30 truckloads of water hyacinth and half a dozen trucks of plastic waste. Local contributors believe that with government investment of Rs 2bn to Rs 5bn, Phewa Lake could be fully restored. “But instead of addressing the root causes, the government offers only superficial solutions and fails to recognize the contributions of local communities,” said Poudel.

“It’s been almost a decade since the local government was assigned to address this issue, but the situation remains unchanged,” said Narendra Man Lalchan, chairperson of Civil Society Kaski. According to civil society members, Phewa Lake faces multiple threats, including land encroachment, unregulated construction, impunity for illegal settlements, poor waste management, and a disregard for biodiversity. These factors have contributed to the lake’s gradual shrinking.

To combat this, civil society has mobilized hundreds of local community members and organizations in clean-up efforts. “In the past few years, we’ve managed to draw some attention from the authorities, after numerous pressure campaigns,” said campaigner Ram Bahadur Poudel, reflecting on the latest clean-up initiative.

A group of journalists in Pokhara staged a protest today in front of the Gandaki Province Chief Minister’s Office, expressing dissatisfaction over the appointment of Bimala Bhandari as the new Press Registrar. The demonstrators claimed that the appointment was unjust to working journalists, citing Bhandari's controversial background.

Bhandari, who is also the Chairperson of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Kaski chapter, was sworn in as the Press Registrar, a position created under the Mass Communication Bill passed by the Gandaki Province Assembly last year. The role involves overseeing the press and media in the region.

While Chief Minister Surendra Pandey administered the oath to Bhandari, journalists outside the office held placards and chanted slogans. They demanded that unresolved issues of working journalists be addressed before appointing anyone to such a critical monitoring role. "How can someone who has ignored our concerns now monitor the press?" questioned Anup Poudel, a journalist with Samadhan National Daily.

Protesters accused the FNJ Kaski leadership of political bias and neglecting the concerns of active journalists, particularly regarding membership issues. "Despite repeated requests, she has turned a deaf ear to us," another journalist added.

Approximately two dozen journalists participated in the protest, questioning the government's decision to appoint someone they consider politically partial to such a sensitive position.

A national conference on ‘Contextualization of Socio-Economic Sensitivity’ was held on Friday in Pokhara, organized by Pokhara University in collaboration with the Pokhara University Research Center (PURC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

With Nepal set to graduate from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) list by 2026, the conference aimed to address the critical importance of understanding socio-economic sensitivity in policy-making. Experts, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders gathered to exchange scientific knowledge and experiences and identify effective solutions through open dialogue.

The event featured sessions on four key topics: economic inequality, social stratification, climate change, and food security. Each session included keynote presentations followed by panel discussions aimed at finding practical solutions to the challenges posed by these issues.

In the first session, focused on economic inequality, Assistant Professor Naveen Adhikari from Tribhuvan University presented insights on income, education, and resource access. Panelists included Pokhara University Registrar Dr Deepak Bahadur Bhandari, Senior Deputy Governor Dr Neelam Dhungana Timalsina from Nepal Rastra Bank, and Gandaki Province Policy and Planning Commission member Maya Timalsina.

The second session addressed social stratification, with Associate Professor Dr. Rishikesh Pandey from Pokhara University presenting on ethnicity, gender inequality, and social division. Panelists included independent researcher Dr. Meena Paudel, and experts from Tribhuvan University and GEDSI.

The third session focused on climate change, with Dr. Uttam Babu Shrestha from the Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (GIIS) presenting the impacts of climate change on society. Panelists from ICIMOD, Tribhuvan University, and Pokhara University contributed to the discussion on the societal effects of natural disasters.

The final session examined food security, nutrition, and health, with public health expert Dr. Aruna Upreti leading the discussion. Panelists from Tribhuvan University’s School of Public Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Agriculture and Forestry University addressed issues of child nutrition, sanitation, and agricultural policy.

Meena Kumari Thakali, a resident of Thini village of Mustang, finds immense joy in welcoming foreign tourists to her small cottage made of mud and dry grass locally known as ‘Ghenka’. In recent years, the number of foreign visitors to her cottage has increased, encouraging her to grow the crops and vegetables needed for her kitchen.

Her daily routine begins with a visit to her farm where she grows a wide variety of food grains and fruits. “Most tourists prefer to enjoy indigenous foods while staying with us in this small cottage,” she said. Stating that the influx of foreign tourists has already begun in her village, Meena Kumari said  she, like other villagers, is excited to welcome tourists to their village.

Meena Kumari belongs to the Thakali community which is known for its culinary skills. Originally from the highlands of Mustang, many Thakali people have migrated to Pokhara and other cities of the country where they have expanded their rich culinary heritage.

“We can’t refuse when we get an opportunity to host guests,” said Battimaya Thakali, 60, from the same village. She explained how the arrival of foreigners in Thini Village has helped in the professional development of local women. “These days, almost all the women in this village are united in homestay organizations, whereas they were limited to household chores three years ago,” Battiamaya, who chairs the local women’s group, said.

Not only in Thini, women in many Mustang villages are taking farm works and tourism business simultaneously. “We need local ingredients in our kitchen to serve tourists,” said Sarita Thakali from neighboring Marpha village.

Local women shared that they have been showcasing their kitchen skills to foreign tourists for more than half decades now. They have turned their household activities into a business without requiring extra investment, relying instead on their labor and dedication in farms to produce ingredients for their kitchen.

Thakali people are known for their set meal which includes rice, lentil soup made of local beans, local vegetables, meat and pickles. Apples, apricots, buckwheat, maize, wheat, potatoes, beans, and greens are the major fruits and crops the women of Mustang cultivate.

The women of Thini village have recently built a public homestay building where they host guests. The building, constructed at a cost of Rs 30m with support from the local government, is expected to help promote their cultural heritage.

Kamala Lalchan, founder chair of the Women’s Cooperative of Mustang, said that the cooperative has more than a thousand women farmers and entrepreneurs as members and shareholders. “More than half of them run homestays and supply food, vegetables and other ingredients to local hotels and restaurants catering to tourists visiting Muktinath Temple,” she added.

Mustang: In recent years, global reports have highlighted the immense impact of climate change on snowy regions. The Himalayan district of Mustang has been a focal point of this concern. Mustang is globally renowned for its tourism attractions, such as Muktinath and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, as well as its apple farming industry. Marfa’s apple farm, in particular, is famous throughout Nepal. Local stakeholders report that Mustang produces tons of apples annually, selling them to tourists both retail and wholesale. The demand for apples has increased in recent years, prompting the production of various apple-based beverages, such as brandy, wine, juice, and jam. This diversification has transformed farmers into entrepreneurs, with over a dozen apple industries now operating in the area.

However, diminishing snowfall, crucial for apple growth, has become a significant concern. Climate change has led to reduced snowfall, threatening apple production in terms of both quantity and quality. Despite these challenges, locals have remained resilient, applying scientific solutions to offset the lack of snow. Their dedication and hard work have enabled them to overcome the adverse effects of climate change on apple farming.

Local entrepreneurs attribute their success to innovative agricultural methods and the versatile use of apples in various products. We spoke to some of Mustang's experienced apple entrepreneurs about their experiences and strategies in recent years.

‘We overcome challenges through innovation’  

Deepak Lalchan, Apple Farmer, Marfa, Mustang

I have 3,500 apple trees in Marfa, producing 25 tons of apples annually. With over fifteen years of experience, I believe dedication is key to overcoming the challenges posed by climate change. The diminished snowfall in Mustang initially caused many farmers to lose hope. However, I sought expert advice and replaced the natural snowfall with scientific alternatives. This innovation has increased our apple quantity, though the taste is slightly less sweet. I now invest 1,000 rupees per apple plant, with 300 plants currently in my farm.

‘We mobilize women and create opportunities’ 

Kamala Lalchan Adhikari, Apple Farmer, Marfa, Mustang

When an unknown disease attacked our apple plants, I was initially disheartened and uncertain about continuing. For almost two years, our efforts and investments were wasted due to insect infestations and inadequate snowfall. However, we eventually adopted scientific methods to replace snow, increasing our apple yield despite a slight decline in quality. This success inspired us to establish local industries and cooperatives, mobilizing local women and creating new economic opportunities.

‘Apple farming is the identity of Mustang’ 

Surendra Hirachan, Apple Farmer, Mustang

For nearly 50 years, I have been producing apples. In the past, we relied entirely on snowfall. Recent years have required extra attention due to reduced snowfall, but I remain committed to my work. Farming is not only a major livelihood source but also a cultural and social identity for Mustang locals. While some have abandoned apple farming due to natural calamities, most continue, driven by love and respect for their traditional livelihood.

‘We are determined to protect our apple farms’  

Indra Prasad Thakali, Social Worker, Chimang Village, Mustang

Mustang’s dedication to apple farming has made it a significant employer for people from other districts. Mustang residents are deeply committed to their work and their indigenous business. Additionally, there is no shortage of workers. After the large-scale earthquake a decade ago, many from affected districts sought employment in Mustang. Most found work in apple farms, potato fields, and buckwheat fields. The apple industry is crucial to our living standards, and we are determined to protect it at any cost.

The Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) Office is preparing to implement the declaration of Pokhara as the Tourism Capital of the country.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal formally declared Pokhara as the tourism capital of the country in collaboration with the Gandaki Province Government and the Pokhara Metropolitan City.

The aim is to meet 20 different indicators, including utilizing natural beauty and adventure tourism, to establish Pokhara as an internationally recognizable tourism brand. In light of this, the PMC has started collecting suggestions from local stakeholders through formal and informal interactions and dialogues.

Kuman Singh Gurung, member secretary of the committee formed to prepare a report on the National Tourism Capital, said that the committee has recommended prioritizing the branding of local resources.

Local stakeholders have shared their views on the benefits that Pokhara Valley and the Gandaki Province can get with the declaration of Pokhara as tourism capital and the challengers involved. 

Tourist fees should be utilized by Pokhara itself

Dr Ramji Sharma, Academician

Pokhara, known for its natural resources like lakes and biodiversity, is also an entry point for world-renowned trekking routes like the Annapurna Round Trek. Almost half of the tourists coming to Nepal come for trekking. However, permit fees paid by foreigners in Pokhara go to the federal government's fund. Pokhara Metropolitan City Office should initiate policy changes to collect royalties from tourists directly.

Call to promote ‘Organic Pokhara’ brand

Manohar Kadariya, Head, Agriculture Division, PMC

Locals are excited about agriculture. Especially after the covid pandemic, many people are returning to their villages to pursue innovative farming. However, there is a lack of encouragement and a proper market for their products. Tourists are interested in organic food. So we should inspire local people to grow organic food and vegetables so that our tourism enterprises can serve organic food to tourists. 

Local resources should be promoted

Dr Indra Prasad Tiwari, Professor, Pokhara University

If we are to ensure a good flow of tourists, effective management of local resources is very important. A strong guideline and system should be established to keep the area clean and mobilize locals to develop their areas. The provincial and local governments must set certain standards for this.

Basic facilities like restrooms should be built 

Hareram Adhikari, Travel Agency Operator

There are very few public restrooms in Pokhara. Travelers often feel uncomfortable asking for restrooms at private homes and shops. If we fail to arrange basic necessities like this, declaration of Pokhara as tourism capital would have no significance.

Public transport should be made effective

Shova Kanta Poudel, Taxi Entrepreneur

Many taxi drivers in Pokhara are unwilling to set standard fares. This is leading to unfair competition among taxi operators and leaving a negative impact on tourists. Certain codes of conduct should be prescribed for taxi drivers as they deal with guests directly. They should meet certain qualifications and maintain good manners.

Religious places should be promoted 

Dhruba Nath Adhikari, Social Worker, Lekhnath

Pokhara is rich in cultural and religious diversity. It is known as a city of cultural and religious integrity. Many tourist destinations here have historical and religious significance. We can attract more tourists by promoting these attractions. 

Other lakes should also be promoted

Birbhadra Kandel, Hotel & Restaurant Association, Lekhnath

Pokhara is known as the city of lakes. But many lakes here are not being utilized for tourism promotion. We can attract many tourists by branding and promoting these lakes. This way we can develop new tourism products for the tourism capital. 

Home Stays Should Be Encouraged 

Udaya Subedi, Homestay Management Committee

Pokhara and surrounding areas are known for medicinal plants, food, and hospitable people. Homestays can be a very good product for foreign tourists. So the provincial and local governments should bring policies for registration and regulation of home stay facilities.