A decision has already been taken in this regard and preliminary research for the construction of four such cities is being carried out by the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) accordingly. Civil Oasis Engineering Pvt. Ltd has been appointed to conduct the preliminary study for the cities.
During an interaction program organized at Mehalkuna on Sunday, Bishnu Prasad Timilsina, a representative from Civil Oasis Engineering, informed that construction works on the cities will begin from the next fiscal year with the financial backing of the World Bank soon after the submission of the detailed report.According to Purna Bahadur Khadka, the constituent assembly member from the area of proposed construction, the proposed cities would be built over a period of 20 years. "The cities to be developed under the model of 'Green City,' would be fully quake-resistant," Khadka said. "The construction works should strictly adhere to earthquake-resistant standards set by the government."
The construction works will start on the ground in Ramghat area, which was previously earmarked for building offices of Bheriganga Municipality, informed Khadka.
The long-term plan for construction of the cities has been developed with a view to uplift agriculture, tourism and trades in the areas. The proposed cities cover seven village development committees (VDCs) of Bheri belt of Bheriganga Municipality, which is home to 80,000 residents.
The DUDBC has highlighted the possibility of uplifting trade, tourism, industries and agriculture in the Bheriganga valley along with urbanization. DUDBC Deputy Director General Resh Prasad Singh said, "The master plan will be developed after considering the areas developmental possibilities." According to him, the detailed study will analyze possible problems, opportunities and challenges of the project. "The cities will be built respecting opinions of every stakeholder. It will be a model for Nepal," he said.
According to Prakash Adhikari, chairman of the Surkhet chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the modern planned cities should also be developed as organic cities.
"The Bheriganga valley carries high possibilities for the development of agriculture, trade, tourism and industries. Private sector should also cooperate for the development," he added.
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