KATHMANDU, June 25: The Pokhara Metropolis has outlined its plans in the policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year 2023/24, highlighting its intention to facilitate the opening of Pokhara’s Lakeside round the clock.
During the 13th Municipal Assembly held on Sunday, Mayor Dhanraj Acharya presented the policies and programs for the fiscal year 080/81, emphasizing the implementation of proper regulations for vehicle management and nocturnal businesses in the Lakeside area.
Mayor Acharya also affirmed the metropolis's commitment to adhere to the Supreme Court's directive to remove structures encroaching within the 65-meter standard of Fewa Lake. The metropolis has devised a comprehensive policy to safeguard the wetlands and watershed regions of Pokhara's other lakes, which are also recognized in the World Ramsar list, including Fewa Lake.
Want to party till dawn? Lakeside is the place!
"A dedicated program will be executed to safeguard the water bodies and wetlands of the Ramsar-listed lakes, including Fewa, Begnas, and Rupa," stated Mayor Acharya.
On June 20, the Supreme Court ruled to maintain the 65-meter standard for Fewa Lake and ordered the removal of any structures violating this criterion.
Additionally, the metropolis has announced its intention to phase out two-decade-old vehicles. Mayor Acharya, while presenting the policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year, revealed plans to install GPS and electronic payment systems in public transportation.
The metropolis has said that it will effectively implement the government's policy of completely banning the use of plastic bags less than 40 microns in thickness and prohibiting the act of dumping and burning plastic bags and water bottles in public places.
Likewise, Pokhara metropolis has announced that it will distribute free drinking water up to 10,000 liters to poor families from the next financial year. Mayor Acharya said that the metropolitan profile survey is currently being conducted and after that the needy households will be identified.
