Reasons Behind the Decreasing Water Level of Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is the soul of Pokhara and one of Nepal’s most iconic natural attractions. Surrounded by lush hills, snow-capped mountains, and cultural landmarks like Tal Barahi Temple, the lake plays a vital role in tourism, local livelihoods, and the region’s ecosystem. However, in recent years, the water level of Phewa Lake has been decreasing steadily, raising serious environmental and tourism-related concerns.

Understanding the reasons behind this decline is essential for sustainable tourism and long-term conservation.

1. Irregular Rainfall and Changing Climate Patterns

Phewa Lake depends heavily on monsoon rainfall and natural feeder streams from surrounding hills. Climate change has disrupted traditional rainfall patterns in Nepal, leading to:

Delayed or shorter monsoon seasons

Reduced annual rainfall

Longer dry periods

As a result, the lake does not receive sufficient water to replenish what is lost through evaporation and usage.

2. Increased Sedimentation from Surrounding Hills

One of the biggest threats to Phewa Lake is sedimentation. Unplanned road construction, deforestation, and frequent landslides in the watershed area have increased soil erosion. Large amounts of sand, mud, and debris are deposited into the lake, which:

Reduces the lake’s depth

Decreases water storage capacity

Gradually shrinks the lake’s surface area

Over time, this process significantly lowers the visible water level.

3. Rapid Urbanization Around Pokhara

Pokhara has experienced rapid urban growth in recent decades. While development supports tourism and infrastructure, unplanned construction has negatively affected Phewa Lake by:

Blocking natural water channels feeding the lake

Reducing open land for groundwater recharge

Increasing surface runoff instead of natural absorption

This urban pressure has disrupted the lake’s natural hydrological balance.

4. Excessive Water Extraction

Water from Phewa Lake is used for multiple purposes, including irrigation, household consumption, hotels, and tourism-related activities. In many cases, this extraction is not properly regulated, especially during the dry season, causing a noticeable drop in water levels.

5. Spread of Invasive Aquatic Plants

Invasive plants such as water hyacinth have expanded rapidly in Phewa Lake. These plants:

Increase water evaporation

Block sunlight and oxygen circulation

Reduce overall water quality

Their unchecked growth contributes to both water loss and ecological imbalance.

6. Weak Long-Term Lake Management

Despite its importance, Phewa Lake suffers from limited long-term conservation planning. Delayed dredging, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, and lack of coordinated management among authorities have allowed existing problems to worsen year after year.

Why This Matters for Tourism

Phewa Lake is not only a natural asset but also a cornerstone of Pokhara’s tourism industry. Declining water levels affect:

Boating and recreational activities

Scenic beauty and visitor experience

Religious tourism at Tal Barahi Temple

Local businesses dependent on lake-based tourism

Protecting the lake is essential for sustainable tourism and preserving Pokhara’s identity.

Conclusion

The decreasing water level of Phewa Lake is the result of climate change, sedimentation, unplanned urbanization, excessive water use, and weak management practices. Addressing these issues requires joint efforts from government authorities, local communities, tourism stakeholders, and travelers themselves.

For Nepal’s tourism industry to thrive sustainably, conserving natural treasures like Phewa Lake must remain a top priority.