The Hotel Association Pokhara Nepal has formally drawn the attention of Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising to the urgent need for the conservation of Fewa Lake, one of Nepal’s most iconic natural heritage sites.
Submitting a six-point memorandum to Minister Ghising, who also oversees the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Urban Development, the association demanded the allocation of a dedicated budget for the protection and sustainable management of the lake in the upcoming fiscal year.
Call for Immediate Budget Allocation
Led by central committee member of Hotel Association Nepal and Coordinator of the Advisory Council of Hotel Association Pokhara Nepal, Bharat Raj Parajuli, a delegation met Minister Ghising and urged him to initiate necessary measures to address long-standing challenges faced by the tourism sector in Pokhara.
In the memorandum signed by Association President Laxman Subedi, the group stated that Fewa Lake is gradually turning into a pond due to recurring floods, landslides, sewage inflow, and encroachment. Although boundary demarcation has already been completed by the local government in line with a Supreme Court directive, the lack of budget allocation has hindered further conservation works. The association has requested the government to ensure sufficient funding in the next fiscal budget to safeguard and enhance Fewa Lake.
Relief Sought for Affected Hotels
The memorandum also called for appropriate relief and rehabilitation support for hotel establishments directly affected by the Gen-Z movement. Although the current budget had promised to extend industrial-level facilities to the tourism sector, the association stated that implementation has yet to materialize.
Infrastructure Development and Connectivity
Highlighting delays in the upgrading of major highways connected to Pokhara, the association urged relevant authorities to ensure timely completion of the projects. The association further proposed the development of a fast-track road corridor directly linking Pokhara to the Indian border to strengthen tourism connectivity and trade prospects.
The Hotel Association Pokhara Nepal emphasized that timely government intervention is crucial to protect Fewa Lake and revitalize Pokhara’s tourism industry, which remains a key contributor to the regional and national economy.
