KATHMANDU, Aug 5: Areas cleared of informal settlements along the Bagmati River will be redeveloped into open public spaces, with the government planning to build green zones, playgrounds, walking trails and river restoration infrastructure.
The High-Powered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee said the cleared sites will not be used for permanent concrete structures. Instead, they will be developed into open spaces accessible to the public.
Project Director Machakaji Maharjan said a separate master plan is being prepared to protect the river’s natural flow, improve flood management and develop public open spaces. The plan will be aligned with existing urban development strategies.
“We are creating open public spaces that everyone can use. There will be walking trails, green areas and recreational spaces, but no permanent concrete buildings,” Maharjan said.
He added that the goal is not to confine the river within walls but to preserve enough open space for its natural flow. Parks and green areas will also serve as floodplains during periods of heavy rainfall.
‘Squatter settlements removed to reduce water-induced disaster...
Executive Committee Chair Dr Anand Singh Bhat said the Bagmati corridor will be developed as a public space focused on flood control, cleanliness and greenery. He expressed confidence that the riverbanks will eventually feature green landscapes, playgrounds and public-friendly spaces.
The committee said debris from demolished settlements in Balkhu, Banshighat, Thapathali, Gairigaun, Sinamangal and Shankhamul has been almost completely cleared. Excavated soil and debris have been reshaped according to the area’s topography.
At Banshighat, around one metre of land has been filled in preparation for a grass field. The area will include open sports grounds and tree plantations. Plans also include football grounds and badminton courts.
A wastewater treatment plant is planned near Vishwo Niketan School, and the school has agreed to use the Banshighat open space for sports activities.
In Balkhu, priority will be given to expanding the river channel. The current width of about 40 metres will be increased to the planned 80 metres, while the remaining land will be developed into green areas, parks and other public facilities.
At Shankhamul, the committee plans to build open playgrounds and sports facilities. In Gairigaun and Sinamangal, the river, currently between five and 10 metres wide, will be widened to at least 30 metres. The remaining space will include grass fields, parking areas, waiting spaces, parks and recreational infrastructure.
In Thapathali, the river channel will be expanded to around 60 metres. The corridor road will then be extended from the Thapathali Hospital area beneath the bridge to Banshighat, with designs prepared to avoid damaging heritage sites and monuments.
The committee also plans to construct retaining walls, riverbank protection works and parks in Balkhu, while corridor roads, river training walls and river management projects will be carried out simultaneously in Sinamangal.
The master plan proposal was prepared during the previous fiscal year. Around Rs 2 billion has been allocated in the current fiscal year’s budget for river management projects.
Detailed designs and cost estimates are currently being prepared, with construction contracts expected to be awarded before Dashain so work can begin.
The committee said it aims to complete the project within three years under a multi-year financing framework in coordination with the Ministry of Urban Development.
Through this fiscal year’s budget, the government has also announced the implementation of Vision Kathmandu 2040, which includes developing river corridor infrastructure, parks, integrated waste management systems, a river clean-up campaign and expanding greenery along riverbanks.
