KATHMANDU, Feb 27: The Nepali Congress (NC) has unveiled the Kathmandu Valley Development Commitment Paper – Vision 10 on behalf of its 15 House of Representatives candidates contesting from the federal capital.
The manifesto was made public at a programme organised in Kathmandu in the presence of party General Secretary Pradip Paudel, with virtual participation from candidates representing all three Valley districts — Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.
The document outlines a commitment to developing the three districts as a single metropolitan entity while respecting their distinct identities. It pledges to formulate and implement an integrated urban development plan aimed at transforming Kathmandu Valley into a clean, beautiful, modern, well-governed and vibrant global city.
The manifesto also commits to strengthening the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) to implement a broader federal capital restructuring plan based on the Valley’s carrying capacity.
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To ease traffic congestion and improve mobility, the party has pledged to adopt an integrated urban transport and smart mobility policy. This includes developing mass transit infrastructure while ensuring pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly transport systems.
The commitment paper further promises to introduce unified pollution control standards, conserve and manage public and archaeological sites, and implement integrated plans for the protection, purification and beautification of rivers across the Valley. It also includes commitments to preserve national parks, community forests and public parks to promote a healthy lifestyle.
In the education and health sectors, the candidates have pledged to ensure accessible, high-quality, technology-friendly education and to develop affordable, high-quality, technology-driven health services, with the goal of upgrading the overall health system to international standards.
The manifesto also outlines plans to formulate and implement an integrated land-use policy, enforce building codes, improve sewage management, and develop a comprehensive urban regeneration master plan. It proposes establishing disaster management command centres equipped with early warning systems.
To address rising unemployment, poverty and inequality, the party has pledged to create job opportunities, particularly for young people, through digital technology and IT-based entrepreneurship programmes. Special plans will also be implemented to manage informal settlements and support landless communities.
Additionally, the manifesto promises a long-term solution to the Valley’s drinking water problem by designing a comprehensive plan that considers population projections for the next 50 years, including groundwater recharge and water storage initiatives.
Speaking at the event, General Secretary Pradip Paudel said that the sustainable management and development of Kathmandu Valley remains a top priority for the Nepali Congress. He stated that collective commitment would be more effective than individual efforts in ensuring integrated development.
“This commitment paper will serve as a guiding framework for united efforts in the Valley’s development in the coming days,” he said.
The commitment paper includes pledges from Nepali Congress candidates Prabal Thapa (Kathmandu-1), Kabir Sharma (Kathmandu-2), Ramesh Aryal (Kathmandu-3), Sachin Timilsina (Kathmandu-4), Pradip Paudel (Kathmandu-5), Krishna Sabuj Baniya (Kathmandu-6), Pramod Hari Guragain (Kathmandu-7), Sapana Rajbhandari (Kathmandu-8), Nanu Bastola (Kathmandu-9), Himal Karki (Kathmandu-10), Uday Shamsher Rana (Lalitpur-1), Prem Krishna Maharjan (Lalitpur-2), Jitendra Kumar Shrestha (Lalitpur-3), Kiran Neupane (Bhaktapur-1) and Kabir Rana (Bhaktapur-2).
