Kathmandu Unveils Integrated Solutions for Urban Ecological Transformation

June 26, 2025

Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, home to three million people across the districts of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, is famous for its cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. However, rapid and unplanned urbanization has led to serious environmental and urban development challenges.

Through the Kathmandu Ecological Urban Renewal Project Preparation Study (KEUR-PPS), ADB-CDIA has proposed integrated measures to restore the valley’s ecological balance while ensuring urban resilience and inclusivity.

A comprehensive assessment under KEUR-PPS underscored the urgent need to revitalize the Bagmati River, a major artery flowing through the valley, which suffers from severe pollution, unregulated development and encroachment. Over 75% of Kathmandu’s wastewater is discharged untreated into rivers, and green space availability is only at 4.5 sqm per person, way below the WHO-recommended standard.

To address these challenges, ADB-CDIA recommended a “sponge city” model focusing on natural water retention and wetland restoration, and the creation of green-blue corridors along the Bagmati River system and its tributaries. These nature-based solutions will help mitigate flooding, enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and establish essential public spaces.

Specific components of the project include the redevelopment of UN Park to reconnect it with the river, improve access and circulation, enhance biodiversity, and provide new community facilities. The Manohara floodplain will be transformed into a wetland park to serve as a multifunctional green infrastructure hub integrating flood control, habitat conservation, and public amenities. The Tundikhel area will be revitalized with more trees and better walkways, effectively linking fragmented heritage parks such as Ratna Park and Rani Pokhari.

Complementing these ecological interventions is the construction of over 100 kilometers of new wastewater interceptors to drastically reduce direct sewage discharge into the river system.

The project also advances inclusive resettlement strategies to protect approximately 18,000 informal settlers living along flood-prone riverbanks. Pilot initiatives–spanning on-site upgrades to integration into new, affordable housing schemes–will be explored, particularly in the Thapathali and Balku areas.

Recognizing the need for coordinated planning for the interventions, ADB-CDIA has proposed a unified institutional framework that brings together the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA), and local municipalities. The High-Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization (HPCIDBC) will play a central role in overseeing the river corridor rehabilitation.

Following the interim phase of the KEUR-PPS and through extensive consultations, ADB-CDIA will then select specific project components to advance to the pre-feasibility study stage.

The KEUR project is expected to serve as a model for sustainable urban renewal in Nepal as well as across South Asia–redefining Kathmandu’s future as greener, cleaner, healthier, and more inclusive.

More info: KEUR-PPS