K.C. claims that he has no alternative but to build a multi-story hotel as land is limited. "I've received permission to only build a two- story hotel. But it's not feasible to build this in such a small patch of land," he said, adding "earning back the invested amounts is impossible otherwise."
KC said he could neither acquire more lands nor obtain permits from the sub-metropolitan office to make the building taller. "What choice do I have now? There is no alternative," he said.
"Everyone would benefit if the sub-metropolitan office would remove the law to permit tall building on Lakeside. They can increase their revenue through taxes and we can work without fear and guilt," he added.
It is not possible to destroy all the buildings in violation of the law, therefore, it is high time for the sub-metropolitan to change the law, he stressed.
KC is referring to a 1974 sub-metropolitan law that prohibits buildings taller than two stories on lakeside. While originally designed to protect lakeside's beauty, the law had added importance after 1998 when a research project carried out by the Department of Mines and Geology, in partnership with a German organization, confirmed that Pokhara had soil that was unable to support tall buildings.
Yet, many entrepreneurs like KC have been rampantly construing tall buildings on Lakeside. With a government plan to build an international airport in Pokhara, hotels with 20-40 rooms are being opened rapidly on Lakeside, most of which are in violation of the law. All the entrepreneurs claim they have no alternative but to build multi-story buildings.
Another hotel entrepreneur, requesting anonymity, admitted to erecting a seven-storey building with an official permit for a two-storey building due to insufficient land. "The authorities neither allow for tall buildings nor do they provide a viable alternative," he said.
The authorities have not been able to intervene. "We can only stand and watch as the law is broken," said Shiva Hari Sharma, tax authority of the Sub-metropolitan region. Existing hotels and hotels currently under construction have yet to register for taxation. "Everyone is taking advantage of the weak central government," he added.
An engineer of the sub-metropolitan government also added that the government is powerless to intervene because they lack the authority. "We receive tremendous pressure from everywhere if we attempt to take action," he added.
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