KATHMANDU, Jan 17: Although the Kathmandu Valley covers 721 square kilometers, government data indicates just 372 hectares (3.72 square kilometers) are open to the public. Since this only makes up 0.51% of the valley's total area, experts caution that this minuscule open space could heighten risks during disasters.
Government reports specify that urban areas must have at least five percent of the total area as open space. Experts recommend that earthquake-prone areas like Kathmandu require at least 10 to 15 percent open space. The Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) is studying the open spaces in the Kathmandu Valley and plans to release a report once the study is complete.
Development Commissioner of the KVDA, Januka Dhakal, said the authority's study shows that public open space in the Kathmandu Valley is only 0.51 percent. "This is extremely low. Urban areas must have at least five percent open space," Dhakal said.
"There should be at least one open space within a 15-minute walk, but this rule seems to be ignored." She highlighted that open spaces act as shelters during disasters and added, "Urban areas must have open spaces. Children need them to play, and the elderly need them for walking. In case of fire or an earthquake, citizens need a place to flee."
The KDVA measured the open space in the Kathmandu Valley by including public parks. It included a total of 54 parks, such as Balaju, Bhrikuti Mandap, Bhugol Park, Samakhusi Park, Golfutar, Kirtipur Park, Godawari, Gyaneshwar, Tribhuvan Park, UN Park, Shankha Park, Shahid Park, Mitra Park, Madan Bhandari Park, and Lainchour Park, in this measurement. However, the KVDA clarified that the open spaces within private property were not included in the calculation. Additionally, the KVDA is running a land consolidation program in 24 locations across the valley.
Five-year clock to implement $500m MCC compact to start ticking...
Development Commissioner Dhakal said the authority’s recent land consolidation program ensures at least five percent open space. She noted that earlier land consolidation programs included only two to three percent open space. "Now, in the land consolidation programs we run, we ensure at least five percent open space," she explained.
The KDVA’s study found 887 public open spaces across the Kathmandu Valley. Of these, Kathmandu district has 488, Lalitpur has 346, and Bhaktapur has 53 public parks and other open spaces.
Experts, however, argue that 5 percent open space is insufficient for the Kathmandu Valley. Dr Ramesh Prasad Singh, a member of the National Planning Commission and former secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development who has conducted extensive research on earthquakes, stated that scientific studies reveal the Kathmandu Valley's high vulnerability to earthquakes.
"The open space in the valley, therefore, should be at least 10 to 15 percent,” he said, “The government must prioritize earthquake risk mitigation above all else. If people survive, society survives, and the government survives. Without people, what is society?” He emphasized the need for open spaces for temporary shelters during earthquakes or other disasters.
Singh criticized the government for neglecting earthquake risk preparedness. He argued that merely having sufficient open space is not enough. During disasters, citizens must be informed about escape routes to reach open spaces. He urged the government to implement strict policies to increase open spaces in the Kathmandu Valley.
The KDVA is working on the master plan for the valley and conducting a study on open spaces as part of this. The authority has stated that it is preparing a report on the master plan. The government observed Earthquake Day on Wednesday. However, experts say that the government is merely observing the day without taking substantial steps for earthquake risk reduction and preparedness.
The Ministry of Urban Development has passed the Urban Policy 2081 BS, focusing on disaster management, technology, and sustainable development.
