Nepal has officially adopted the National Urban Policy 2081, a long-awaited framework designed to address the country’s urbanization challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Approved by the Council of Ministers in December, the policy sets forth strategic measures aimed at creating a coordinated, efficient, and resilient urban landscape across Nepal. Below, we explore the key features of the policy and its long-term goals.
Key Strategies of the National Urban Policy
The National Urban Policy 2081 outlines four main strategies to tackle the issues of urbanization in Nepal:
- Establishing a National Urban System: This will create a unified and coordinated approach to urban development across the country.
- Expanding Resilient Urban Infrastructure: The policy emphasizes the need for strong and adaptable infrastructure to support growing urban populations.
- Effective Mobilization of Resources: The policy calls for the efficient use of financial resources to ensure urban development is both sustainable and equitable.
- Strengthening Governance and Coordination: It aims to enhance collaboration across federal, provincial, and local governments to ensure better urban management.
Roles of Federal, Provincial, and Local Governments
A significant feature of the National Urban Policy is the clear delineation of roles between the different levels of government:
- Federal Government: The federal government will focus on creating national policies, setting standards, and managing large-scale urban projects.
- Provincial Governments: These will play a key role in developing economic centers and ensuring the durability of urban settlements.
- Local Governments: Local authorities will be responsible for urban planning, settlement development, and the implementation of projects that cater to the specific needs of their communities.
This division of roles ensures that each government level can contribute effectively to urban development, based on its capabilities and areas of focus.
Targeting Urban Infrastructure Improvement
One of the key objectives of the policy is to improve Nepal’s urban infrastructure. By 2036, the government aims to raise the urban infrastructure index of Nepal’s cities to at least 50%. To achieve this goal, the policy plans to restructure the Urban Development Fund and leverage multiple financial sources, including public-private partnerships, green investments, and climate-focused funds.
An Urban Development Act will also be introduced to regulate vital aspects of urban growth, such as land use, infrastructure planning, and real estate management. This legal framework will help create a more organized and sustainable approach to urban development.
Monitoring and Evaluation for Effective Implementation
For successful implementation, the policy highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation. The Ministry of Urban Development will regularly assess the progress of urban projects, conducting five-year reviews and a comprehensive ten-year evaluation. This process will ensure that urban development aligns with the country’s evolving needs and that adjustments can be made as necessary.
Conclusion: A Vision for Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Growth
The National Urban Policy 2081 is a significant step towards addressing the growing urbanization challenges in Nepal. With its focus on sustainable infrastructure, efficient resource mobilization, and strong governance, the policy aims to create urban spaces that are inclusive, resilient, and adaptable. If effectively implemented, the policy will improve the quality of life for urban residents and contribute to the country’s overall development.