Pokhara Municipality Initiates Operation to Demolish Illegal Structures Along Firkhe Khola

Pokhara Municipality has started operating a bulldozer simultaneously from three locations on Sunday to clear the renowned Firkhe Khola area. Mayor Dhanraj Acharya informed that the campaign aims to demolish illegal structures constructed along the river. The deadline set earlier by the municipality for removal of these structures was met on Saturday. The operation began immediately with the bulldozer being used to clear unauthorized constructions along the riverbank starting from early morning till 10 a.m. at Andheri Kunna, Budhanilkantha Temple, and Jiro Kilometer. The municipality has instructed relevant ward chairpersons, executive members, council members, ward secretaries, engineers, and all employees to be present during the operation. Representatives and employees from wards 1, 2, 3, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, and 30 will be present at Andheri Kunna. At Budhanilkantha Temple, representatives and employees from wards 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 26, 28, 31, and 33 will participate, while at Jiro Kilometer, representatives and employees from wards 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 23, 27, 29, and 32 are scheduled to be present. The ward chairpersons of respective wards will lead the operation, which will begin from Ward 18 of Firkhe Khola and then proceed to Wards 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 17. The municipality had planned to demolish the structures along the river back in 2080 BS. After the deadline was set, the affected parties filed a case in court. Following the court's interim order against immediate demolition, the process has been prolonged. Subsequently, the court has ruled in favor of the municipality. After the deadline set by the municipality, some businessmen and individuals have voluntarily removed their structures.