Nepal, April 4 -- When excavators rolled onto the banks of Phewa Lake at dawn this week, dismantling illegal structures built within the 65-metre buffer zone, it marked more than just a government enforcement drive-it was the culmination of nearly a decade of persistent watchdog journalism.

The demolition campaign, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs in coordination with Pokhara Metropolitan City, follows high-level consultations and renewed political will. Prime Minister Balendra Shah held discussions with Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, while provincial lawmakers were briefed on conservation efforts. Police were deployed early Saturday morning to support the operation as authorities moved to clear long-contested encroachments.

But long...