History of events and actions that have harmed or protected Rupa Lake in the Pokhara Valley of Nepal

From forest clearing to landslides, then private claims to ownership, and with diversion of streams causing new landslides, a progression of environmental crises is tracked over time. The paper provides a timeline of 23 major events affecting the health of Rupa Lake and its wetlands (1952-2005). By 1986 government efforts were launched to control flooding and landslides, building check dams and planting trees. A Community Forestry Program to support local ownership and control of forests was begun. At the same time, new settlements were built in the watershed, large forest areas were cleared, thus creating conditions for a pattern of disasters.