The government of Nepal reported at least 224 deaths, 158 injuries, 28 missing persons due to severe flooding, including at least 37 in Kathmandu. Around 13,300 people required rescue, while at least 1,200 houses were destroyed or damaged, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Infrastructure damages included 25 bridges, 37 highways, 11 hydropower stations, and numerous telecommunication stations. The government directed police and military forces, totalling over 30,000 people, to assist with rescue and clean-up work, and schools and universities were closed in impacted areas. All flights from Tribhuvan International Airport were canceled, and Nepali schools and universities closed for three days.
Al Jazeera also reports on the investigation into the causes of the catastrophic flood in Kathmandu, titled “More than 200 killed: What caused the devastating floods in Nepal?” The paper also articulates various viewpoints and opinions from planners. Urban planner Neeraj Dangol said multiple factors were behind the latest disaster. The Bagmati River, he says, was narrowed due to haphazard planning and urban development that took place after a drastic population boom in Kathmandu in the early 1990s. “In the past 40-50 years, houses and roads have been built on areas that used to be part of the river system,” Dangol explained.
The event has forced a re-evaluation of urban planning and development strategies to better manage natural disasters and protect the urban populace in line with the urgency of the Green and Blue Spaces.
Call of green and blue
Due to recent floodwaters in Nepal, infrastructure has been compromised, agricultural land has been devastated, and access to power and internet services has been severely disrupted. If similar incidents continue, Kathmandu, revered as ‘the city of temples,’ risks gaining a reputation as a city prone to disasters.’ Kathmandu, the capital renowned for its advancements and amenities, has been profoundly affected, highlighting inadequate urban design. This is undoubtedly the era in which urban development in the country urgently demands ‘Blue-Green Infrastructure Initiatives’.
In the heart of Nepal’s bustling urban landscapes, where city activity meets nature’s serenity, a new paradigm is emerging—the one that combines the lushness of green spaces with the tranquility of blue waters. Urban green-blue spaces, a concept that incorporates parks, gardens, rivers, and lakes into the urban fabric, are gaining popularity not just as aesthetic additions, but also as critical components of sustainable urban living.
Why green-blue spaces?
The advantages of incorporating nature into urban environments are numerous and well-documented worldwide. Green-blue spaces are more than simply an oasis of peace in the concrete jungle; they are crucial in combating urban issues such as air pollution, heat islands, and flooding. In Nepal, where fast urbanization is a significant issue, these places could be the key to building resilient cities that can withstand environmental and social difficulties.
In the context of resilient and sustainable urban development, both blue and green spaces are significant. Green urban spaces encompass several natural and semi-natural elements, such as green parking areas, green roofs, urban forests, permeable and pervious pavements, bios wales, and planter boxes. The verdant spaces must be maintained with an abundance of water, as green cannot exist without blue. Consequently, it is necessary to preserve a suitable blue space for green infrastructure initiatives, including wetlands, canals, and rivers. The urban blue spaces are depicted in the image that intersects the green spaces with urban development. The green-blue infrastructure at the central intersection continues to function in conjunction with the surrounding regions by sustaining both blue and green urban spaces, which has been the most significant barrier in restoring the previous environmental conditions.
More than scenery
Nepal’s unique topography and hydrology provide numerous opportunities to naturally blend green-blue zones into its metropolitan centers. From the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu to the lush gardens of Pokhara, the possibilities are limitless. These locations can serve numerous purposes:
a. Climate resilience: They help to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality. It also moderates classroom temperature, as the presence of trees in places mitigates the heating effect.
b. Biodiversity: Urban greenery and aquatic ecosystems can support indigenous flora and fauna, hence enhancing biodiversity inside the city center. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has implemented a bird nest intervention for resident birds, akin to their previous habitats, which is a commendable move.
c. Recreation and health: These locations provide inhabitants with chances for recreation and relaxation, essential for both physical and emotional well-being. The natural surroundings accessible to the general public during leisure times relieve mental stress; especially activities around aquatic and verdant environments provide delight and calmness.
d. Water management: Strategically constructed green-blue spaces can effectively manage precipitation and mitigate flooding, a common phenomenon in numerous Nepali cities during the monsoon season, while the stored water in blue areas becomes beneficial in dry periods.
Despite their advantages, the creation of green-blue areas in Nepal faces various challenges. Residential and commercial developments are prioritized due to the scarcity and value of urban land. Furthermore, pollution of urban water bodies and a lack of management of existing green spaces might erode the potential benefits.
Future vision
For Nepal to fully embrace the notion of green-blue spaces, a collaborative effort from all stakeholders is required. Urban planners and legislators must incorporate these areas into the city planning process. Initiatives should be launched to clean and protect natural water bodies in metropolitan areas, as well as programs to educate the public on the benefits of such spaces.
Community involvement is also important. Local communities should be encouraged to contribute to the construction and maintenance of these areas. For example, community-led green efforts can help to keep parks and rivers in good condition.
As Nepal continues to urbanize, incorporating green and blue spaces into urban development is not only desirable, but also vital. These spaces are not just luxury; they are critical components of urban infrastructure that improve the liveability and sustainability of cities. By investing in green-blue spaces, Nepal can protect its urban surroundings from the oncoming challenges of climate change and urbanization, ensuring a healthier, greener future for all its citizens.
Let us aim for a future in which our cities are known not only for historical monuments or bustling markets, but also for bright green-blue corridors that provide both sanctuary and resilience.
Diksha Dahal is a research scholar at Kathmandu Engineering College (KEC), Kalimati. She has been engaged in various research concerning sustainable construction, infrastructure resilience. Dahal can be reached at [email protected]. Subash Bhattarai is associated with HERD international in the capacity of Lead-Health Infrastructure and Policy. Bhattarai can be reached at [email protected]. Views are personal.
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