Bagmati Action Plan to Be Implemented with Focus on Nature-Friendly Approaches: DPM Singh

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, has assured that the Bagmati Action Plan will be implemented in a manner that prioritizes environmental sustainability and nature-friendly technologies.

Speaking at a discussion organized by the High-Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization, Singh highlighted that the previously stalled Bagmati Action Plan has been revived and will now move forward with input from stakeholders. “The action plan will incorporate nature-friendly technologies to ensure ecological balance,” he said.

The 20-year plan, which spans from 2024 to 2044, is estimated to cost Rs 225 billion, according to Project Chief Narayan Prasad Bhandari. Discussions centered on strategies for managing the Bagmati River corridor while maintaining the region’s greenery and ecological integrity.

Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor and Chairperson of the Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum, Chiri Babu Maharjan, emphasized the importance of a sustainable approach to protect the green cover. Similarly, mayors and deputy mayors from municipalities across the Kathmandu Valley, including Bhaktapur, Gokarneshwor, Budhanilkantha, Kirtipur, and Changunarayan, stressed the need for an actionable and environmentally conscious plan.

Key stakeholders from municipalities such as Tarakeshwor, Dakshinkali, and Mahalaxmi also participated, reiterating the importance of integrating urban development with ecological preservation.

The Bagmati Action Plan is poised to become a cornerstone for urban and environmental development in the Kathmandu Valley, aiming to restore and protect the Bagmati River while fostering sustainable urban growth.