Peri-urban Areas Under Pressure
Summary
Peri-urban areas around Nepali cities are losing farmland and water resources as rapid urban expansion outpaces infrastructure, sanitation, and land-use planning. The pressures are driving water scarcity, pollution, flooding, and growing public health risks.
Key Points
- Peri-urban settlements around cities such as Changunarayan, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Tokha, Kirtipur, Budhanilkantha, Pokhara, and Bharatpur are expanding rapidly at the expense of arable land.
- Water scarcity is worsening as springs dry up, boreholes multiply, and many communities rely increasingly on jar or bottled water.
- Poor sanitation, open drainage, and weak wastewater management are polluting water sources and increasing health risks.
- The article urges integrated planning, groundwater management, land zoning, and climate-resilient infrastructure to make peri-urban communities more resilient.
