Pokhara possesses a lot of what Nepal has to offer to tourists coming from the world over. But Phewa Lake — the enchanting attraction of the valley — is also its identity. Unfortunately, in the city where a majority of the population depend directly or indirectly on tourism, little effort has been made to preserve the beautiful landmarks that have helped promote tourism in the region. Over the decades, Pokhara has witnessed massive urbanisation, which has had a direct impact on its environment.

Moreover, growing population and absence of genuine concern on the part of the authorities concerned to control pollution have almost ravaged the city’s pristine beauty. The locals have not only been throwing waste in the Lake for lack of systematic garbage disposal and sewage system, but have turned the once immaculate lake virtually into a dumping site for waste. Tourism industry provides a huge chunk of the city’s revenue. There are over

50 hotels in the valley that depend solely on the arrivals of tourists. It should also be the concern and the responsibility of the hotel entrepreneurs and the locals to take initiatives to keep the city clean and beautiful in order to attract more tourists. But, then the sub-metropolitan authorities cannot ignore their responsibility of preserving and maintaining the tourist spots that are not only Pokhara’s pride, but of the entire nation.