SATV KATHMANDu , May 23: With the increase in recreational and tourism activities at Fewa Lake, nearby villages, including Baidam, have now turned into a famous lakeside area.
However, the lake generating income through boating, fish farming, irrigation and electricity generation has also become prone to accidents, particularly during the stormy months of April and May.
This fiscal year, 38 people have been rescued from the lake while one person was found dead. According to Superintendent Surya Timilsina of the Armed Police Force, 74 people were rescued and six bodies recovered in the previous year alone.
“Major accidents have occurred in the past. In 1961, 19 locals died when a boat overturned and in 1986, 18 out of 21 people returning from a picnic lost their lives. A 2004 incident claimed the lives of six security personnel,” he said. “Accidents happen due to both misfortune and negligence during boating, fishing, paragliding or even suicide attempts.” Since a rescue tower was established at Barahi Ghat in 2012, a total of 517 people have been rescued and 40 bodies recovered.
On May 5, eight people were rescued during a storm. Additionally, on May 9, another boat accident occurred but the operator was saved.
In response to frequent incidents, the Kaski District Administration formed a monitoring committee led by Assistant Chief District Officer Shiva Lamsal. A recent committee meeting among local authorities and security agencies decided to suspend boating when rescue tower sirens indicate danger.
Fewa Lake spans 5.72 square kilometres and hosts 712 boats in eight lakesides managed by a local committee. The committee has even deployed motorised rescue boats. Giri said that while incidents used to happen occasionally, the risks have increased now. "The number of passengers on boats has been regulated, and life jackets have been made mandatory," he said. "This has significantly reduced accidents. But recently, due to the reckless operation of surfing, kayaking, and speedboats, incidents have increased."
Security agencies play a vital role in rescue operations. The Armed Police Force has a 20-person trained rescue team operating in two shifts at the rescue tower, which is equipped with sirens, rafts and a motorboat. A wind sensor is also in place for early storm warnings.
Nepal Police mobilises upon receiving information, often via the emergency number 100. Additional support is deployed from the provincial disaster team, Ward Police Office Baidam, and the District Police Office, said Kaski Police Chief SP Shyambabu Oliya.
The Nepali Army also contributes, with an 11-member trained rescue team from the Krishna Dal Battalion, including divers and disaster response personnel. According to Commander Rajendra Pudasaini, the team rescued 23 people, including seven foreigners, in Nepali month Baisakh (April/May) alone.
Due to repeated accidents, there is growing concern that such incidents tarnish Pokhara's image. Some voices now call for a complete halt to boating during storms. Civil rights activist Ram Bahadur Paudel emphasised the importance of balancing the lake’s benefits with the risks of natural disasters.
