How important is open space for urban areas?

It is very important. We saw that during the 2015 earthquakes. We also need open spaces to orga­nize sports programs and mass gatherings. In the past we were not able to do much urban planning. But now we are working to set aside at least 5 percent of total city area as open spaces.

 

Can’t barren open spaces, the few that are still left, be turned into public parks?

Public parks need to be spacious and suitable for all age groups, and they should be disabled-friendly. They should also have amenities such as public toilets and drink­ing water. Narayan Chaur in Naxal, for example, even has a system to recycle rainwater.

 

Out of total area of Kathmandu valley, how much is open space?

Around 39 percent of the valley is covered by forests whereas houses have been built on 17 percent area. Urbanization is encroaching on agri­cultural land, not the areas covered by the forests. So the valley’s forests are largely intact. Also, we have specified that for a land larger than 8 aanas (254.37m2), up to 60 percent of the area can be taken up by the house. Land smaller than 8 aanas should can have up to 70 percent area covered by the house.

 

Why can’t the vast open spac­es at Tinkune for instance be turned into a green space?

Sometimes it is hard to evict peo­ple from a piece of land even after giving them due compensations. Talking about the open space at Tin­kune, it is partly privately-owned. Some locals are unhappy with the amount of compensation they are getting, and so the case is currently under the purview of the Supreme Court. Other challenges include poor budget allocation and distribu­tion and lack of coordination among local authorities.

 

Is budget shortfall a hindrance to building of green spaces?

It is more about government pri­ority than budgeting. If the gov­ernment deems is necessary there will be no problem in mobilizing the budget. It can also invite the private sector. The parks can also be made with the help of local com­munity members, for the benefit of that community. So rather than the budget it is about prioritization and government mindset.

 

Are there any new plans for creating open spaces?

Not immediately but we have a vision to create four cities in four corners of Kathmandu valley. The demand for public parks is high. There is prospect for green spaces around Tri-Chandra College area and Chhauni if we relocate the col­lege and army barracks respectively. Relocating some governmental bod­ies could also free up much-needed open spaces.

As you pointed out, lack of open spaces was keenly felt during the 2015 earthquakes. But there are fewer open spaces now compared to 2015.

Yes, this is happening because the services are centralized. We have centrally located educational institutions, medical services and entertainment facilities. That is why our city is densely populated and there is lack of open space in city center. But if you go by statistics, only 17 percent area of the valley is covered by houses.

 

Just for the sake of open space, people cannot be expected to live in outskirts of the valley, can they?

That is why we have come up with the vision of four cities around the valley. The goal is to reduce conges­tion by providing quality services and facilities in these smaller set­tlements are well. The old city will remain as it is but people won’t nec­essarily have to be there to be able to benefit from modern-day facilities.

 

Where will the four cities be located and how long before they come into being?

The three small cities will take three years and one big city will take about four years. The small cities of around 5 million square meters will be built around the Gundu-Balkot area, Bhainsepati-Bungmati area and Naya Buspark-Jhor area, respec­tively. Likewise, the big city of around 50 million m2 will be built around Changu Narayan munici­pality, Sankharapur municipality, Kageshwori-Manahara municipality and Thimi municipality.

 

How do you see green spaces evolving in Kathmandu valley?

The areas for green spots will remain intact. The government is aware of its importance and working to protect open public spaces. Also, for the private sector, our new plans have better specifications regarding open spaces in private property. Hopefully, all these efforts will lead to more open public spaces.

Photos by Pritam Chhetri