Regional Monitoring and Supervision Office (RMSO), Pokhara under the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage (DWSS) is preparing to construct a separate sewer system to prevent polluted water and garbage from being drained into the lake.[break]
“In order to keep the lake from pollution, it is necessary to stop contaminated water from being drained into the lake. This is possible only if we construct a proper sewer system around the lake,” said Senior Engineer at RMSO Chandra Bahadur KC. “We will construct a 5km long sewer system from Gaura Chautra to Birauta.”
He also said the polluted water will be treated at a water treatment plant in Birauta near the Phirke River. A water treatment plant would be set up simultaneously with construction of the sewer system.
“The main sources of water for the Phewa Lake are rivers, including Harpan River, in its vicinity. So, if we can prevent water from small rivers and canals from flowing directly into the lake, we can check pollution,” said KC.
KC said the estimated cost of the project is Rs. 40 million.
“We are yet to start construction of the drainage system as the government could not release sufficient budget for the project in this fiscal year. However, DWSS has provided financial support to carry out the project survey,” informed KC. “We will start construction from the upcoming fiscal year.”
He said the project would be completed within four years if the government timely releases the required budget.
Bishwo Parsad Lamichane, coordinator of the Phewa Lake Conservation High-level Commission formed by the government a year ago, said local authorities should also take initiatives to stop locals from throwing wastes, bathing cattle and washing clothes in the lake.
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