awareness » pollution
Pollution on Phewa Lake
The pollution in Phewa Lake is caused by the following reasons.
1. Nonpoint Source
Discharge of domestic wastewater and sewer into the Lake through point sources (Phirke Khola, urban drain, Seti Canal etc.)

Influenced by precipitation, runoff during rainy seasons, eg. Agriculture land, forest, urban area etc.

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2. Point Source
Nutrients / fertilizers from agricultural fields(nonpoint sources)

Runoff carrying organic pollution load and solid wastes into the Lake.

Pollution from freely wallowing cows and pigs at Lakeshore.

-High sediment load from Harpan, Andheri, Sasurke Kholas (steams) and Seti Irrigation Canal.
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Land slide and soil erosion at watershed areas
- deforestation for fuel wood, fodder, encroachment.
- Inadequately developed infrastructures (eg. Baidam-Pame road) at Lake vicinity.

Soil Erosion
- Improper hill slope terrace cultivation.
- over grazing by cattle.		  
Lack of Environmental Education
- People activating all sorts of environmental hazards innocently/without concern.
- Lack of incentive for improving daily habits that are detrimental to the Lake.
- Lack of commitment and leadership.
- Indifference of the rural people towards Lake conservation as they do not get any benefit from the Lake.
Lack of Lake Focused Integrated Environmental Conservation Program
- Lack of an active focused institution and sustainable utilization of resources.
Lack of Resources to Undertake Such Program
- The HMGN supported Phewa Lake Area Conservation Committee does not have representation of beneficiaries hence more government dominated, and is grossly inactive.
Lack of Rural-Urban Linkage for Collective Endeavor for Environmental Conservation of the Lake
- Benefits from the Lake not shared to rural community, which are equally responsible for its conservation.
Sedimentation of Lake
- 175,000 - 225,000 m3 of sediment deposits in the Lake per Tear (DSCWM, 1994)
- Lake area shrinking at the rate of 2 ha. per year
The above issues and causes clearly presents various problems of such perplexity leading towards continual degradation of environmental health of the Phewa Lake.
 
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