Local Ramchandra Jalari said he had never in his life seen the pristine lake turn so murky.  “The flood water has washed stones, pebbles and branches in the lake,” Jalari said. “The lake’s water level has also increased dramatically because of siltation.”  

Rain-swollen Harpankhola, one of the water sources of Fewa Lake, had swept away vast swathes of farmland on Wednesday night. Landslides in Bhadaure had also deposited large amount of dirt and other debris in the stream.  

Four days after the massive flood and landslides the lake still looks sludgy, water hyacinth scattered everywhere.  Fish farming business has been severely hit by the flooding.

“The gates at Fewa Dam at Birauta was opened after the sudden rise of water level but the lake water remains full of pollutants,” said Mangal Jalari. According to Chairman of Harpan-Fewa Fishery Cooperative Gyan Bahadur Jalari, there will be no lake left if the concerned agencies do not come up with a solution to tame Harpankhola during monsoon.