KATHMANDU: Stakeholders have expressed concern over the extremely low proportion of open spaces in Nepal’s major cities, emphasizing the need to protect such areas, especially in densely populated urban centres like Kathmandu.
The concern was raised during an interaction organized by the Sancharika Samuha in Kathmandu on Monday. Experts and officials noted that the scarcity of open areas poses serious challenges for public safety during natural disasters.
Speakers stressed that, as Nepal lies in a seismically active zone, federal, provincial, and local governments should prioritize open space management in urban planning and disaster preparedness policies.
Journalist Mukesh Pokharel, who studies environment and urban development, highlighted that while the Kathmandu Valley covers approximately 721 square kilometres, only 0.51 percent of the area is open space. Ideally, 40–50 percent of urban areas should remain open, according to data from the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA).
Climate and livelihoods expert Dinesh Gurung said that although discussions on the importance of open spaces exist, institutionalizing them has been difficult. “Even with a Disaster Management Act in place, its effective implementation remains challenging,” he noted.
Other participants urged local representatives to take greater responsibility, citing increasing encroachment on public land and weak government supervision over the protection of open areas.
The discussion emphasized that protecting and expanding open spaces is critical not only for disaster response but also for ensuring livable and sustainable urban environments.
Comment