In Phewa Lake land dispute, Home Minister Gurung says ‘we were cheated, will seek legal remedy

Kathmandu — Home Minister Sudan Gurung has claimed he was deceived in the Phewa Lake land case and announced plans to pursue legal action.

The controversy escalated after Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya revealed that around 20 ropanis of land linked to Gurung fall within the Phewa Lake boundary area.

However, Gurung clarified that the land does not belong to him but was leased for business purposes. He alleged that the landowner misled him by concealing the fact that the property lay within the 65-meter restricted zone.

He said he only learned later—through the municipality—that the land was within the regulated area, after which he immediately halted construction and investment.

According to Gurung, about 8–10 years ago, he and two other young entrepreneurs had leased the land to operate “Adventure Sports Nepal,” based on assurances that it lay outside the restricted zone.

Calling the situation unjust, he stated that he would move forward with strict legal action against those responsible.