KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, highlighted the need for a nature-friendly approach in the implementation of the Bagmati Action Plan.
During a discussion held on Tuesday by the empowered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee with the mayors and deputy mayors of Kathmandu Valley’s municipalities, Singh remarked that future plans for the Bagmati Action Plan should focus on environmental sustainability.
“The Bagmati Action Plan had been disrupted in the past. We are now continuing it and will move forward with a nature-friendly approach, using environmentally sustainable technologies. We will ensure the plan progresses in a way that benefits the environment,” said Singh.
Singh also acknowledged that valuable suggestions were received during the discussions with the mayors and deputy mayors of the valley. These suggestions will be incorporated after further consultations with stakeholders before finalizing the plan.
The Bagmati Action Plan will study the 17 rivers in the Bagmati river system, classifying areas into five categories: natural conservation zones, rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and low-lying areas.
The total estimated cost of the 20-year plan is Rs 225.31 billion, as shared by Narayan Prasad Bhandari, the project manager of the empowered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee.
The discussion was part of the Bagmati Action Plan 2024-2044, organized under the Ministry of Urban Development.
Chiribabu Maharjan, President of the Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum and Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, supported the action plan, calling for its implementation in a manner that preserves greenery and fosters a nature-friendly approach.
The program also saw the participation of several other local officials, including mayors and deputy mayors from Bhaktapur, Gokarneshwar, Kageshwari Manohara, Budhanilkantha, Kirtipur, Shankarapur, Tarkeshwar, Changunarayan, Dakshinkali, Nagarjun, Godawari, and Mahalaxmi municipalities.
Local leaders stressed the importance of organizing the Bagmati Corridor and ensuring the plan fosters greenery and sustainability.
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