Pokhara, July 22
Boating in the Phewa lake, one of the most popular attractions in Nepal’s tourism capital Pokhara, has come into operation after a halt of 2.5 months owing to the Covid-19 spread.
Authorities had imposed prohibitory orders in the Pokhara metropolitan city since April 27 this year to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The resumption of boating has not only elated domestic tourists but also enthused the workers who earn their living from boating.
The Phewa Boat Entrepreneurs Committee Vice-Chair Mangal Nepali shares boating resumed in consultation and coordination with the concerned authorities. Those willing to enjoy boating services have been asked to mandatorily comply with the health safety protocols put in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
The 20-feet boat will be allowed to keep only four people while an 18-feet could allow only three people in maximum, adds vice-chair Nepali. Earlier, up to 9 people were allowed in a boat.
“Eight to nine boats are allowed in the Phewa lake once. The resumption aims at bringing respite to the boat operators and the workers in the field,” he says.
Meanwhile, the Taalbarahi temple in the middle of the lake has not been opened for the public yet. The evening worship rituals have been halted lately.
On regular days, a total of 764 boats were in operation in the lake measuring 5.726 square km in area.
