World Town Planning Day was marked for the first time in November 8, 1949. [break]
On the occasion, the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) in coordination with the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) organized a seminar and held discussion with urban planners, concerned authorities and other stakeholders on reversing the rapid and haphazard urbanization and promoting planned urbanization for the sustainable development.
Speaking at the program, Jagadishor Pokharel, president of Regional and Urban Planners´ Society of Nepal (RUPSON), argued that unless MoUD strengthens the capacity of local bodies responsible for implementation of urban policies, it is difficult to reverse haphazard urbanization and promote development of sustainable physical infrastructures.
MoUD Secretary Kishor Thapa said the government has failed to make significant progress in promoting planned urbanization due to prolonged political instability in the country. “Unless there is political stability, it is very difficult to implement development plans. We are also facing difficulties in drafting policies essential for planned urbanization,” added he.
He further said that the government has given top-priority to the development of 10 new cities along the Mid-Hills highway. “Likewise, preparations are afoot to develop Pokhara as the second metropolitan city after Kathmandu. For the purpose, we are all set to start construction of the regional international airport in Pokhara,” added he.
Likewise, Rabindra Kumar Shakya, vice-president of National Planning Commission, said, “We do not have sufficient budget, strong mechanism to implement existing laws and policies and proper coordination among governmental agencies. This is constantly encouraging haphazard urbanization. So, the commission is drafting a national level urban strategic policy which will bring all implementing bodies under a single roof.”
On the occasion, the organizing committee also felicitated two eminent senior urban planners -- Padam Bahadur Chettri and Harsh Mathew -- for their commendable work in planning various cities. Mathew, a German citizen, has been working as an urban planner in the country since 1972. Likewise, three engineering students were also honored for writing the best thesis on urban planning issues.
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