POKHARA, July 8: With the lockdown relaxed to some extent, people - mostly youths - have started to gather around Fewa Lake for fishing. Hallanchowk, Khapaudi and Pame, among other areas, look quite crowded by such people from morning to evening.

“The crowd is big also because people have nothing much to do. Due to the lockdown, regular businesses have come to a halt,” said Bimal Tamang, 35, who hails from Sindhuli. “Fishing is a good way to pass time,” he added.

Tamang used to work at construction sites. He’s jobless for the last three months. He said his savings are almost over now and he’d not be able to survive if the lockdown prolongs. “I used to feel so low thinking about work and money, this fishing has however given some relief. I come here early in the morning and stay till late night. Whatever I collect is my meal,” he laughed.

Sailesh Rayamajhi, a local of Pokhara, spends hours fishing around the lake. He uses several techniques to lure fish. “Skilled fisherman can catch a lot of fish, or else it is challenging,” he said.

Some boys compete with each other for fun. He who catches the highest number of fish becomes the ‘champion’. Some even reach out to the Mardi River for a different experience of fishing. Even though one has to take license from the authorities concerned for fishing, this provision has quite been ignored, according to Rayamajhi. “After this lockdown eased, things have gone even worse. Nobody cares about the rule, even at Fewa Lake people come unchecked,” he noted.

 
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