KATHMANDU
Capital's Soul Lost In A Concrete Jungle

Plans were never in short supply. But the lack of implementation triggered rapid and haphazard urbanization, creating a capital city bursting at the seams. The center of attraction for urban wannabes, Kathmandu also has to grapple with the strains of the many industries it houses. While the building code is thrown to the waste-bin, wayward construction of concrete buildings has forced Kathmandu to lose its traditional aura. Home to half a dozen world heritage sites, the lack of scientific urban development initiative in Kathmandu has put a damper on its dreams.

By SANJAYA DHAKAL

Ashish Pradhan lives in Bijeshwori. He has a three-storeyed house complete with all modern amenities. A sprawling lawn surrounds his house where his family maintains a neat garden. At first glance, Pradhan has everything an average Nepali middle-class family would want - a big house in the middle of Kathmandu.

But looks can be deceiving. If you have anything bigger than a two-wheeler, there is no way you can reach his home. A narrow four-feet-wide alley snaking across 200 meters from the nearest road is the only route linking his house. There is no drainage service worth its name and waste management is a far cry. Despite being located in the midst of Kathmandu metropolis, Pradhan's house lacks many municipal services.

Pradhan's house is one among thousands of similarly constructed dwellings. The mushrooming of ill-planned residences has added to the haphazard urbanization of Kathmandu. The rapidly growing pockets of dense habitation that lack minimum municipal services like the areas in and around Baneshwore, Maitidevi and Ghattekula indicate that something is very wrong with the urbanization of Kathmandu. Suppose a fire breaks out in a house like Pradhan's. Neither can firefighters reach the place, nor can rescue-workers take their equipment there.

Being the capital city, Kathmandu naturally attracts people from all over the country. By virtue of geography itself, however, Kathmandu is not limitless. Unlike cities in the plains, Kathmandu cannot expand. The point is to manage the available area well.

Although there is a widespread charge that the authorities simply had no plan to develop the city, the reality is different. "We have enough of plans lying around. One could take a pick, review it a little and put it into action anytime," says Padma Sundar Joshi, an urban planning expert and national co-director of Kathmandu Valley Mapping Program (KVMP), a joint venture between the KMC and the European Commission, which is working to develop the city in a scientific manner.

According to Joshi, there are problems on three fronts when it comes to implementing those plans. "First, we lack serious political commitment to develop the city. Second, the administrative machinery is equally nonchalant. And third, even technicians lack the zeal to pursue the issue."

Experts warn that if concerted action is not taken immediately, residents will be forced to become helpless witnesses to the gradual deterioration of their city.

Burden Of Economic Disparity

The huge disparity in economic conditions and opportunities between the capital city and the rest of the country has forced Kathmandu to shoulder a disproportionate burden. Whether it is a migrant laborer, a student looking for quality education, a businessman interested to invest or a politician wanting to make it big, Kathmandu is the ultimate destination.

According to the 2001 census, the actual population of the Kathmandu city is just above one million. But combine it with the floating population, visitors, job-seekers and residents of surrounding cities, and the figure could reach anything between 1.5 million and 2 million. The urban growth rate of the city is 6 percent per annum. If the present trend continues, experts predict that the population of the city will double every 10 years.

Does the KMC have the infrastructure to support this burgeoning population? The reply, sadly, is no. The water supply, drainage, waste management, road network - you name it and you will come across a mound of inadequacies. The situation is such that notwithstanding the legal provisions, people are found to construct buildings haphazardly. The popular practice is: first you construct the house, then you go in search of services like drainage, electricity and road.

The concentration of development and opportunities and the failure of the state to develop villages have naturally incited the mass migration towards the valley. Whether it is an MP or a minister, everybody wants to own property here. Not only a political and commercial center, the city has also attracted more than its fair share of industries. "At least the city should be freed of the industries immediately," says Bhushan Tuladhar, an environmental expert at the City Planning Commission of the KMC.

Agrees Joshi. "Kathmandu can be a commercial, administrative and tourism center but not an industrial center." He adds that since raw materials required for industries come mostly from outside the valley, there is no rationale for opening industries here.

Haphazard Construction

Despite the existence of various legal provisions and a building code, the reality is that a majority of construction takes place without taking into consideration the minimum standards set by city planners. There is a provision of acquiring clearance certificate from the municipality before initiating construction. But in many cases, people circumvent these provisions by hook or by crook.

The rapid mushrooming of concrete buildings that are short in aesthetic beauty are gradually eating into the historic glory of the ancient city.

The KVMP has different projects aiming to bring back the past glory of the core city. "We are going to develop the core city area of Ward No 23 as a pilot project, which includes providing basic infrastructures like paved streets, water, drainage, and street lamps. We will also assist the people in developing tourism in the area," says Joshi.

The KVMP has recently completed designing the long awaited KMC Urban Management Information System (UMIS). This includes such systems as Urban Information Service System, Cadastral Information System, Socio-Economic and Service Infrastructure Information System, Physical Infrastructure Information System, Heritage and Tourism Information System, Land Use and Development Control Information, Building Permit System, Addressing System, and Land and Building Tax System. The primary aim of UMIS is to strengthen the urban planning and urban service delivery functions of the KMC, which in turn benefits municipal residents and city dwellers.

The KMC has divided the city into five main areas - core, central, eastern, northern and western regions. The concentration of population and buildings is different in each region.

The core region includes the ancient settlement, including areas like Ason

and Bhotahity, where the average population density is a staggering 400-to-1,000 per hectare. The farther the city is from the core region, lesser is the density. In the eastern region, the density is as low as 85 per hectare.

Joshi believes there is a need to scientifically disperse the population from the core region to the outskirts. "But care should be taken so that the dispersal is corresponding with the infrastructure available in the region."

There is a positive change as well. Chikanmugal and Ombahal area of Ward No. 23 in the core region have seen their population decreasing by the day over the last two years. The remaining locals say many of the people have left the core area saying the old-style architecture had become uncomfortable, with little chances of enhancing economic activities and ensuring survival.

Meanwhile, there is a dangerous trend that is continuing unfettered. It is improper to look at the KMC in isolation as the changes in its surrounding villages and municipalities will have a direct bearing on its development. "Over the last few years, one can see haphazard sprawling of buildings in fringe villages. This is dangerous as far as urbanization of Kathmandu is concerned," says Joshi.

Because of the relatively low cost of land in these areas, which are not too far from the city core, people are thronging to build houses there.

Joshi cites the example of ongoing construction activities in bordering villages like Sitapaila, Dhapakhel, Lubhu and Mulpani, among other areas, where people have erected tens of millions of rupees' worth mansions at places that lack even basic infrastructures like road and drainage. "This is a sheer waste of country's resources. On one hand, people are wasting their resources, on the other hand, the authorities now face a bigger and improbable challenge of having to extend their investment in infrastructures in these areas as well."

According to Joshi, the whole construction is taking place contrary to the principles of scientific urbanization. Instead of building houses in developed area with infrastructures, people are doing so in secluded areas. "The concept of the outer ring-road, too, could prove suicidal. This will speed up the process of haphazard construction," he says.

Land Use Plan

Urban planners say that proper implementation of land use plan could be the answer to the urbanization woes. According to the basic principles of land use plan, a city is developed in such a manner that it is segregated into separate residential, commercial, market and administrative zones. "Although it is not possible to rigidly implement such a plan in the present context of Kathmandu, we can at least prepare it for areas in the city that are still not heavily touched by urbanization. Besides, the government can prepare guidelines for land use and implement it," says an urban planner.

Such guidelines could categorize land in different areas for different purposes. It could also restrict people from building houses on land that has not been developed. Planners say institutions like the Department of Land Revenue and the Department of Mapping could play key role in implementing such guidelines.

Currently, the KVMP is engaged in a relatively successful program called "land pooling". It is a system under which it identifies a certain pocket, acquires all the land from the owners with the promise that they will get their share after the land is scientifically developed. The KVMP has successfully completed its land-pooling project in Naya Bazaar area. Owners were given back their land by cutting up to 30 percent of what they had originally given to the KVMP. "It is a win-win case for all. The land owners get developed land with road links and other infrastructure, which will have vastly soared their values," says Joshi.

In the case of Naya Bazaar, while the value of 1 aana of land in 2054 (before it was acquired for land pooling) was Rs 60,000, it rose to more than Rs 350,000. Joshi recalls the time when the locals even pelted KVMP people with stones for attempting to acquire their land. "Now the same people come to us with bouquets," he says.

However, it is not the fault of the local people to view land-pooling project with suspicion. Earlier, the government had duped the people of Dallu with their land development promises that never actually materialized. "It is important to set some standard examples. After the Naya Bazaar incident, people themselves are approaching the KVMP with requests for land-pooling in their area," says Joshi, adding that the KVMP is currently involved in similar projects in Bagmati Nagar, Manahara and Chamati area. Such has been the success of KVMP's land-pooling schemes that experts from Bhutan and some African countries have come here for study tours.

While land-pooling could be appropriate in city areas with sparse population, it cannot be an answer to places already swarming with haphazardly constructed houses. The KVMP has also launched a few pilot projects to develop such areas. "With the active participation and support from local people, we have launched Infrastructure Improvement Projects in areas like Ghattekula." Though these projects could never produce results like land-pooling schemes, they can at least manage the areas up to a certain level.

The most important thing the government needs to do at present, Joshi says, is to stop the private land-brokers operating at individual or group level from hoodwinking the unsuspecting public. "Everyday newspapers carry advertisements for so-called developed property. In fact, we see these lands are linked by less than 4 feet of roads, which is unacceptable by any standards." According to him, any house has to be linked by a road that is at least 6-8 meters wide.

Bungling In Decentralization

Bhushan Tuladhar believes that many of the woes faced by Kathmandu and other cities are the result of the bumpy transition from centralization to decentralization. He says there are many examples of how the centralization of authority and successive decentralization have not worked.

"Solid waste management is a classic case of decentralization that bungled. Earlier, the residents of the valley were used to managing their wastes themselves. They used to dispose their wastes within the boundary of their tole/chowk. But in the eighties, a German project came and the government centralized the system. Containers were put in streets and road intersections and people were told to throw their wastes into them. But as soon as the project ended, the government decentralized it once again and asked municipalities to take care of the wastes. But the people were already habituated to throwing wastes on the roads," says Tuladhar.

Over the years, the municipalities have developed their waste-management capacity but the government still has not provided a viable land-fill site, he says. "It is not for the prime minister to take the headache of clearing the wastes of Kathmandu. He should concentrate on policy-making and other important affairs of state and allow local bodies to take charge of such matters in keeping with the spirit of the Local Self Governance Act 2058."

The act has attempted to empower local bodies like municipalities, VDCs and DDCs. It has allowed municipalities to raise certain taxes as well as take charge of major municipal functions. For instance, the act says that urban roads should be managed by municipalities. "Certainly, municipalities are not presently capable of managing roads or water supply. They don't have the expertise. But they can develop it in time with help from government. Unfortunately, the tendency is such that the government is unwilling to part with its authority," Tuladhar says.

It is clear that democracy is incomplete without decentralization. In fact, for any individual the nearest representative he elects is his ward chairman. Naturally, he will take his complaints to him. But in the absence of clear-cut authority, the ward leaders or municipal leaders (read mayor) will have to make the rounds of ministries and departments to achieve even small development.

Clearly, effective decentralization is yet to take place. But there is ample room for improvement. The Local Self Governance Act has introduced a number of genuine provisions. As local bodies, including municipalities are getting assertive about their rights, the day may not be far off when these bodies will begin to take full charge of their responsibilities and duties.

As far as the development of Kathmandu is concerned, a concept of an integrated Kathmandu Valley Development Council has been floated. A draft of this council's act is under consideration in parliament.

Experts agree that Kathmandu requires to be put under a single administrative umbrella for coordinated development. At present, the situation is such that the KMC has no authority over bordering Mulpani VDC, which can do whatever it likes irrespective of its impact on the city.

As the problem of haphazard urbanization is taking its heavy toll, the only hope is that the central authorities realize the importance of streamlining urban development and complementing it with necessary legal and practical support.

Kathmandu's History

Legend has it that Kathmandu valley was one big lake in pre-historic times. It was Lord Manjushree who created an outlet for the water by carving a gorge at Chobhar.

The valley is regarded as sacred place for both Hindu as well as Buddhists. The temple of Lord Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred shrines for Hindu devotees anywhere in the world. Swayambhunath and Boudhhanath Stupa hold similar significance for Buddhists.

As one ancient traveler noted, the valley had more temples than houses and more images of God than people themselves. The valley served as an urban center during Kirat as well as Lichhavi periods.

The valley is surrounded by hills on all sides. While Phulchowki guards it in the south-east, Shivapuri stands tall in its north. During the Malla period, the valley alone consisted of three different kingdoms— Kantipur (Kathmandu), Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). The flourishing of art and architecture, especially during Lichhavi and Malla periods, have left a magnificent mark on the city. Nepal currently includes 10 world heritage sites, out of which the valley alone is home to seven— Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhhanath, Changu Narayan, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar squares.

Kathmandu city was formally established by Malla King Guna Kamdev during 800 B.S. After Great King Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the kingdom of Nepal, he shifted his capital from Gorkha to Kathmandu in 1825 B.S.

It was during the reign of Rana Prime Minister Bhim SJB Rana in 1988 B.S. that the Kathmandu municipality office was opened for the first time. Following the calamitous earthquake of 1990 B.S, then Rana ruler Prime Minister Juddha SJB Rana initiated modern urbanization concept and roads were planned. The present-day New Road and surrounding areas trace their development to this period.

Following the advent of democracy in 2007 B.S., a municipality act was passed that divided the city into 18 sectors and the same number of local representatives were elected to its board soon after. The change in the national political equations continued to have corresponding change on the structure of the municipality. After 2017 B.S., Kathmandu city Panchayat came into being which were again replaced by municipal boards in 2047 with the restoration of democracy.

Kathmandu Municipality was promoted to the status of Metropolis in December 1995. As such the formal name of Kathmandu city now became Kathmandu Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). The city has been divided into 35 wards with the provision of five-yearly elections that would choose the local leadership including ward chairmen, mayor and deputy mayor.

KESHAV STHAPIT
Maverick Mayor

A man with a thousand ideas and an equally strong sense of duty, Sthapit is bulldozing his way toward realizing his dream for Kathmandu

By SANJAYA DHAKAL

Often, the goatee-sporting mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) can be seen gazing over his city from atop the hill in Lakuribhanjyang on the eastern flank of the valley. The place, he says, gives him much-needed refreshment and allows him to take a bird's eye view of his city. The expanded perspective allows him to come up with a broad vision for the development of the metropolis.

Every morning, Sthapit gets up around 4. "For the next half an hour to one hour, I just sit still and think. This is the time of the day when my mind swarms with ideas. And it is during these early hours that I come up with solutions for complex problems that would be haunting me for days," he says.

Sthapit's vision for the KMC, some would say, is absurd, if not impossible. "I tend to think different from other people. I have my own perspective and I stick to them," he says. He wants to restore the historical cultural glory of the city. He wants to bring back the grand old days of Kathmandu city that is fast being overpowered by the unchecked growth of today's concrete jungle.

"My idea of the KMC's office goes something like this— a soaring figure of the Buddha, the interior of which would house the secretariat building and rooms. The mayor's office would be located at the top so that he or she would always be able to see the progress being made by the city," he says with a palpably firm sense of conviction.

Sthapit's ideas began getting materialized this winter when the government finally agreed to his plan of converting the Tinkune and Maitighar junction into gardens. Although it coincided with the imposition of the emergency and the SAARC summit, the readiness with which the government acted this time allowed Sthapit to put to test his long-nurtured plans. "People think that KMC acted extremely quickly in order to build garden in Maitighar. But they should not forget that KMC had the plan ready and was waiting only for the green signal from the government," he says. "Otherwise, how could we have developed such large Mandala paintings overnight."

Buoyed by the public response to the Maitighar garden, Sthapit then unleashed his other plans. The swift demolitions at the Ratna Park, Jamal and Swayambhu areas provide clear examples. "I intend to build greater Ratna Park garden linking it with Ranipokhari. There will be underground parking area built underneath it," he says. Proving his commitment to the job Sthapit came to the scene of demolition in Ratna Park area despite the death of his father the same day. "Had I not gone to the scene, people would have charged I ran away during tough time."

It is not for nothing that people call Sthapit a man with a thousand ideas. "I have plans for every inch of Kathmandu," he asserts, adding that he will clear room for an additional 200 km of road within the city area in coming few years. "Shortly, there will be an inner ring-road that will ease the traffic burden. Besides, I will not allow any illegal land-squatters."

Ambitious— one might think. But no, this mayor means business. "I have this character of fire. If people stay away (from what I am doing), I will give them warmth and heat. If they come closer and start playing with me, they will burn their fingers," he says.

Sthapit also has a strong team. The select group of technocrats, including such personalities like P.S. Joshi and Bhusan Tuladhar, among others, have given him an edge. While he dreams and imagines, his team puts things into action.

As he has at least one more year to go before the local election take place, Sthapit could bank on the growing popularity he has been gaining steadily over the years. "Kathmandu can become a most comfortable, beautiful and humane city. Citizens are quite ready for that. Over the years, I have attempted to understand the citizens of this city. I can now say that I can involve them in my campaigns. I have devised this plan of involving citizens, making them concerned about a particular project and going head-on with it."

Mayors around the world are getting increasing attention for their work. Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, gained fame for his handling the city in the aftermath of September 11 disaster. His successor, businessman turned politician Mike Bloomberg, is also gaining a reputation for being business-like in city management.

The fact that we have Sthapit and his team of technocrats heading the metropolis allows Kathmanduites to nestle in assurance, especially during times when leadership has become one most rare commodities of the country.