By Shanker Man Singh

Rural-to-Urban Migration as a Key Driver:  

In Nepal, there is a strong trend of people migrating from rural areas to urban centers, driven primarily by perceived economic opportunities. This is a significant factor contributing to rapid urbanization in Nepal. "Today, most of us like artificial life, so we can see many people moving from villages to cities."

Dual Nature of Urbanization:

While urbanization is often associated with development and economic growth, the text highlights its negative consequences, such as increased cost of living, reduced space, and potential economic failure due to insufficient workforce. It poses the question, "Can we not urbanize and still take the benefits of industrialization?" and emphasizes the need to balance these aspects.

The Allure of Cities:

Nepali cities are perceived as offering access to modern amenities, communication, international trade, and safer living environments, further fueling the desire for urban migration. "Psychology of the human is motivated to live in urban areas because of the ability to use current communication means, international trade, and safe living."

Challenges of Unplanned Urbanization:

There are challenges of rapid and unplanned urbanization, including inadequate infrastructure, service disparities between municipalities, lack of open spaces, environmental degradation, and pressure on resources. One striking example of this inequity is the urban infrastructure index, with Kathmandu scoring 0.91 compared to Gulariya in Bardiya at just 0.16. "The lack of public open space has made Kathmandu an unhealthy place to live." and the need to protect and extend green spaces.

New Urban Policy 2024:

Nepal's new National Urban Policy (2024) aims to address existing challenges by coordinating urban development responsibilities across federal, provincial, and local levels. This policy seeks to achieve sustainable urban development aligned with global frameworks like the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the Sendai Framework. It also aims to improve infrastructure indicators in urban centers by 15% by 2036.

Importance of Open and Green Spaces:

It should be strongly advocated that there is a need for the importance of open green spaces in urban areas, highlighting their role in enhancing quality of life, promoting biodiversity, reducing pollution, improving mental health, and supporting physical activity.  It says, "Open green spaces are important assets in our cities because they contribute to security, health, and a positive cultural environment."

The Urban-Rural Divide:

Nepal acknowledges the perceived benefits of urbanization, but it also highlights the potential negative impacts of such a trend, emphasizing how it could lead to rural areas becoming depopulated while urban areas become increasingly challenging to inhabit due to overcrowding and associated issues. "In our context, where the city has already been developed, the development of settlements is increasing. The rural area is about to become uninhabited."

The Need for Balanced Development:  

There is an emphasis on avoiding excessive focus on urban areas and advocating for a more balanced approach where rural areas are developed to be just as attractive. "Instead of developing the village, everyone is attracted only to the city that has already been developed, so urban life is becoming difficult."

Industrialization & Urbanization:

There is a direct connection between industrialization and urbanization. "When we industrialize, we urbanize. The cost of living goes up; space becomes less. Birth rates decrease." There is an urgent need for technology to decentralize industrialization.

Reversal of Migration:

Some individuals are returning to their villages, finding satisfaction in a less materialistic lifestyle, as noted: "Those with a conscious and God-fearing attitude realized that it is better to go back and earn three meals than to adopt a greedy and inhuman lifestyle."

Social Dynamics:

Urban life is portrayed as tight-knit and difficult for outsiders to navigate, while rural areas offer more freedom to choose one's company. This is expressed in the following saying: "In the village, no one is a stranger. Everyone knows everyone. If you move to a village, you will be the one who is disturbed."

Job Market Dynamics:

The specialization of jobs is leading to businesses locating in larger cities, where a larger talent pool can be found. This means that job seekers may be more likely to find employment in larger cities as well. "The labor market also supports cities after the industrial society. Many professions are specialists."

Inconsistencies in Urban Definition:

Nepal's previous definition of urban areas (minimum 5,000 population, density of 10 people per hectare, 50% non-agricultural activity) is contrasted with UN ECOSOC standards. This highlights the need for more rigorous standards and a scientific classification of cities.

Uneven Urban Development:

Despite the increase in the number of municipalities from 58 in 2011 to 293 currently, there are significant disparities in infrastructure and services. This has resulted in uneven development and a need for a comprehensive urban system that includes market centers, smaller and medium-sized towns, and large urban economic areas.

Federal Structure & Urban Policy:

Nepal’s new policy allocates responsibilities for urban development to federal, provincial, and local governments within its federal system. The federal government is responsible for national policies, laws, and standards, while provincial and local governments implement these within their jurisdictions.

Population Trends:

About 66.01% of the population lives in municipalities, with an urban population density of 27.07% and a peri-urban population of 39.75%. It also notes that 34 hilly districts have shown negative population growth, while 54% of the population lives in areas that make up only 17% of the country's land area.

Urbanization Rates:

While the urban population has steadily increased over the past decades, Nepal is not among the world's fastest-urbanizing countries, however, the rate is significant.

Local Government Act:

The Local Government Operation Act of 2074 has set population criteria for municipalities based on geographic location (mountain, hill, inner Madhesh, Terai, and Kathmandu Valley).

"Disorder" in Nepali Cities:

The common characteristics of Nepali cities are related to inadequate services, unplanned housing, encroachment on land, environmental pollution, traffic congestion, and an absence of urban planning.

          There is a complex picture of urbanization in Nepal. While urban areas are perceived as centers of economic opportunity, the current rapid and unplanned urbanization poses significant challenges. Nepal's new urban policy represents a step towards managing this growth by addressing infrastructure needs, promoting sustainable practices, and coordinating governance across different levels. However, the focus must shift towards balanced development where rural areas are also developed and made attractive to live, and the focus should be on the preservation of open green spaces within urban areas as well.

Addressing the issues of unequal access to infrastructure and services, as well as preserving open green spaces, will be crucial in ensuring sustainable and equitable urbanization for Nepal.