ADB_book_18 April.qxp - Himalayan Document Centre - icimod

environmental planning and management are tosucceed in making urban areas better places to live.Obviously, this should not be limited to integratedand coordinated provision of infrastructure andservices, but also include wider concepts ofintegration. It is necessary to:(i) introduce land-use planning with dueconsideration to environmental attributesincluding urban ecology and heritage;(ii) integrate and coordinate planning andmanagement of urban infrastructure andservices;(iii)promote waste reduction, reuse, andrecycling and other environmentally friendlypractices;(iv) raise awareness of people regardingenvironment, health, and appropriatepractices and behaviors;(v)promote participation and partnership withpeople, communities, NGOs, communitybasedorganizations, the private sector, andcivil society in environmental planning andmanagement;(vi) address urban poverty and needs of theurban poor; and(vii) introduce the “polluter pays” principle.Most past efforts in planning and providingurban infrastructure and services have beensectoral—uncoordinated rather than integrated.Important lessons regarding urban environmentalmanagement in Nepal can be derived from pastactivities including planning approaches and donorsupportedprograms as well as small-scaleenvironmental activities of NGOs. The latter includeconverting wastes into resources (throughcomposting, making briquettes from waste, paperrecycling, management of solid waste bycommunities), promoting alternative approaches towaste/sewage treatment, and addressing the needsof the urban poor including those in slums andsquatter communities. The informal sector can playan important role in urban life and livelihoods.Integrated urban management should also includestrengthening this sector.Municipalities, local bodies, and competentauthorities must be strengthened if integrated urbanenvironmental management is to be achieved.Appropriate tools, and human and financialresources must all be developed. Clear urbandevelopment policies and legal frameworks may benecessary for promoting land-use planning,participation by the stakeholders, and ensuringcoordination and cooperation.Quite often environmental problems arepolitical and economic, arising not from shortage ofenvironmental resources (e.g., land or fresh water)but from political or economic factors that inhibitcertain groups’ access to them. Most environmentalproblems cannot be solved without effective localinstitutions. In the long run, a competent,representative, inclusive, and democratic localgovernment is the key for effective proactiveenvironmental management in urban areas.Decentralization and empowering municipalgovernance are the top priorities if disjointed sectoralactivities are to be coordinated under an able,technically competent, and financially viable urbanmanagement and development authority. To date,power lies with sectoral line agencies which controlresources and influence legislation. This centralcontrol has not worked satisfactorily and is unlikelyto improve in future. It is therefore essential fordevolution of authority to take place in a veryfundamental way, ensuring transfer of power andresources to local units, enhancing municipalcapacity, ensuring participatory processes to workingwith communities, and fostering partnership withNGOs and the private sector.BibliographyAsian Development Bank (ADB). 2000. TechnicalAssistance Final Report on Nepal Urban SectorStrategy, Volume 1: Main Report. Kathmandu: HisMajesty’s Government of Nepal, Ministry of PhysicalPlanning and Works, Department of Housing andUrban Development, and Asian Development Bank .Adhikari, A. P. 1998. Urban and Environmental Planning inNepal—Analysis, Policies and Proposals.Kathmandu: The World Conservation Union (IUCN).Baniya, I.C. 2002. “Problems, Prospects and PolicyMeasures in Slums and Squatters: A Case Study ofJagriti Tole and Hyumat Tole, Kathmandu.” ASeminar Report, Department of Architecture andUrban Planning, Institute of Engineering,Kathmandu.Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). 1998. A Compendium onEnvironment Statistics 1998. Kathmandu.———.2002. A Handbook of Environment Statistics, Nepal2002. Kathmandu.———.2004. Handbook of Environment Statistics 2003.Kathmandu.Chhetri, R. B. 2004. “Pros and Cons—Nepalese MunicipalFinance.” Unpublished report, Urban DevelopmentThrough Local Efforts Project, German TechnicalCooperation (GTZ), Kathmandu.Chhetri, R. B., and S. Pradhan. 2005. “Financial Analysis ofNepalese Municipalities (1999/2000 to 2003/04).”Unpublished report, Urban Development ThroughLocal Efforts Project, German Technical Cooperation(GTZ), Kathmandu.Chapter 8: Urban Environment117