Bagmati Action Plan

Bagmati Action Plan (2009-2014)
National Trust for Nature Conservation

P.O. Box 3712, Khumaltar, Lalitpur , Nepal
Tel: 977-1-5526571,5526573
Fax: 977-1-5526570
E-mail: info@ntnc.org.np
Website: www.ntnc.org.np
BAGMATI ACTION PLAN
(2009–2014)
PROJECT HEAD
Siddhartha B. Bajracharya, PhD
STUDY TEAM
Astra Development Network, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu
Geospatial Systems Private Limited, Pulchwok, Lalitpur
Innovative Solutions Private Limited, Chakupat, Lalitpur
EDITORIAL TEAM
Mahesh Banskota, PhD
Prof. Pramod K. Jha
Kishore Thapa
Deependra Joshi (Editor)
Ratna Raj Timsina
CONTRIBUTORS
Mahesh Bahadur Basnet, Chairman, HPCIDBC
Krishna KC, Former Chairman, HPCIDBC
Anil Bhadra Khanal, Project Manager,HPCIDBC
Subrato Sinha, PhD (UNEP/ROAP)
Richard Luff (UNICEF Nepal)
Dipak Gyawali, Nepal Water Conservation Foundation, Kathmandu
Roshan Raj Shrestha, PhD, UN-Habitat, Nepal
Ngamindra Dahal, NTNC
EPLC/UNEP, South Korea
Local stakeholders and communities of Bagmati catchment area
NTNC Team
Published by : High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization
and National Trust for Nature Conservation
© 2009 Government of Nepal & National Trust for Nature Conservation

Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
ISBN No: 978-993933933-702-8-4
Citation: GoN/NTNC (2009) Bagmati Action Plan (2009–2014). Kathmandu, Nepal.
Photos: Dr. Siddhartha B. Bajracharya, National Trust for Nature Conservation

Cover Photo: Dhap Area, Shivapuri National Park
Layout & Desing: Ultimate Marketing Pvt. Ltd., 4352223, 4385610

BAGMATI ACTION PLAN
(2009–2014)
Government of Nepal
High Powered Committee for Integrated
Development of the Bagmati Civilization
Guheshowori Phant, Kathmandu
Tel: (977-1) 4498619, 4479703
Fax: (977-1) 4482848
HPCIDBC E-mail: info@bagmati.gov.np
Web: www.bagmati.gov.np

PO Box 3712
Tel: (977-1) 5526571, 5526573
Fax: (977-1) 5526570
Web: www.ntnc.org.np
United Nations Environment Programme (RRC AP)

PO Box 4; Klongluang 12120, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: (66-2) 5162124, 5245365
Fax: ((66-2) 5162125
E-mail: info@rrcap.unep.org
Web: www.rrcap.unep.org
UN-HABITAT
Water for Asian Cities Programme
PO Box 107, Pulchowk Kathmandu
Tel: +977 1 5536699
Fax: +977 1 5539877
Web: www.unwac.org, www.unhabitat.org
ii
Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014
Message
I am glad to know that NTNC has developed the Five Year Action Plan with the aim to restore and conserve
Bagmati river and its tributaries. We all know that there is a limit to extraction of natural resources and
biodiversity to fulfil all the needs and wants of the human beings. We should be aware of the reality that
sustainable development, economic progress and ethical behaviour must be well balanced while utilising
the nature and natural resources. In this context, NTNC has made significant contribution towards biodiversity
conservation and management.
I wish all the success to NTNC to achieve the goal of Bagmati river conservation through publication and
implementation of the Bagmati Action Plan which has been prepared with the generous support of UNEP
and UN HABITAT. I am confident that conservation of the Bagmati river, and its religious and cultural
importance will be achieved through the Plan. I anticipate that the plan will draw the attention of wider
group of stakeholders in conservation of the river.
Lastly, I like to thank to all those who have directly or indirectly contributed for the development of the
Action Plan.
Right Honourable Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal

Prime Minister
Government of Nepal
Singhadurbar, Kathmandu,
Nepal
iii

Message
The Bagmati river has significant ecological, cultural and religious importance. World famous religious and cultural heritages
are located along the banks of the river. Biodiversity of Bagamati is currently being lost at unprecedented rate due to human
activities. The activities like dumping of solid wastes and discharging of untreated liquid waste polluted the river heavily,
which made an assault to the sanctity of the rivers. The aggrevated environmental degradation of Kathmandu valley in
general and the Bagmati in particular has been an issue of concern for all.
The Bagmati Action Plan (2009-2014) envisages a strong commitment to conserve the Bagmati river system. In-order to
address the present challenges, the Government of Nepal has given high priority for the conservation of the Bagmati river
system.
However, it is clear that there remains a crucial task to revive the past glory of Bagmati. The scientific and articulated
internvention is a must. The roles and responsibilities of the key stakeholders are to be
defined. Coordinated effort of all stakeholders is essential to achieve the objectives. The Bagmati Action Plan is a milestone
in this direction.
I am confident that this plan will serve as a guide to all the stakeholders. I hope that this plan will be a basis for all the
concerned organizations and institutions to contribute to restore and conserve Bagmati. I would like to appreciate all those
involved in preparation of the Bagmati Action Plan for their effort to come up with the present form.
Now, it is the time for cooperation and collaboration. It is time to translate our hopes and energies into action, for the sake
of overall environmental improvement of Kathmandu valley. In this Juncture, I would like to call upon all the stakeholders to
join hand to make our dream come true.
Honourable Mr. Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar

Deputy Prime Minister & Minister
Ministry for Physical Planning and Works
Government of Nepal
iv
Message
Ever since the existence of humankind in the Kathmandu Valley, the Bagmati river has remained as the cradle of our
civilization. The life of Bagmati is intertwined with the lives of millions of the Kathmandu dwellers. It has functioned as the
main artery of the city, nourishing the Valley and providing immense environmental and ecological services.
However, with the rapid population growth and haphazard urbanisation of the Kathmandu Valley, the Bagmati River and its
tributaries suffered the most. At present, the Bagmati River system is highly polluted. The problem is further aggravated by
continuous dumping of solid wastes, domestic sewerage and industrial waste along its bank and in the river directly.
Restoring the Bagmati river is ambitious, but success is vital. The Bagmati Action Plan has prepared a framework of actions
by zoning the river into five areas and commits to clean, green and enliven the Bagmati river. This Plan presents clear
objectives to give new life to Bagmati and its tributaries.
Each chapter of the Bagmati Action Plan has addressed a topical issue to contribute to the vision of a clean, green and
healthy river system that is full of life and valued by all. The objective of the Plan is to conserve the terrestrial and aquatic
biodiversity; cultural and heritage sites; and to develop and promote eco-tourism in the Bagmati river. Our increasing
knowledge must now spur on efforts to conserve the Bagmati river system. I hope this Plan will stimulate discussion and
catalyse action on saving the Bagmati river.
The Government of Nepal would like to place on record its most sincere appreciation to the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and UN-HABITAT for the generous support offered to the preparation of the Plan.
Finally, I must assert that the government is committed to continue restoration efforts in the belief that we can ensure a
living Bagmati for our generations to come.
Hon. Deepak Bohara

Minister
Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation
and
Chairman
v

Message
High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagamti Civilization (HPCIDBC) is pleased to come up with the
Bagmati Action Plan as one of the major acheivements of the collaboration with National Trust for Nature Conservation
(NTNC). This will be an important guiding conceptual framework document for scientifically and systematically restoring and
conserving the Bagmati river and its tributaries within the Kathmandu valley.
It is obvious that success of the Plan depends on effective implementation on the ground. HPCIDBC is committed to play its
role as a lead implementing agency and will coordinate and work with all the partners and stakeholders to restore and
conserve the river system. The Plan has clearly identified the issues and major partners and stakeholders for successful
implementation. Thus, I strongly feel that this Plan will be a milestone to move ahead in successfully restoring and conserving
the Bagmati River system.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to UNEP and UN-HABITAT for their valuable financial support for the development
of the plan and NTNC for taking the lead to develop the Plan. I also like to thank the study team and other stakeholders who
have provided their valuable inputs for the development of the plan.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Siddhartha B. Bajracharya, NTNC, Mr. Ram Chandra Devkota, Mr. Anil
Bhadra Khanal and all the staffs of HPCIDBC and NTNC for their valuable inputs to bring document in its present form.
Mr. Mahesh Bahadur Basnet

Chairman
High Powered Committe for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization
vi
Message
The Bagmati River is the main cradle of the Kathmandu valley having very rich in cultural as well as aesthetic value. However,
unplanned urbanization as well as other anthropogenic activities adversely affected the physical condition of the river.
Realizing the deteriorating situation of the Bagamati and its tributaries, the Government of Nepal has setup an institution
namely "High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilization (HPCIDBC)" to overcome the existing
situation. The committee is the leading implementing agency. It is my pleasure to mention here that Government of Nepal
especially the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works is working to strengthen the committee with enforceable legal
provisions.
At this important juncture, the Bagmati Action Plan has been developed. I am very pleased to see this highly scientific,
innovative and comprehensive document to restore and coserve the Bagmati river system. The zoning concept assured the
effective implementation of the plan. I highly appreciate this effective collaboration between HPCIDBC and the National
Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) to come up with the Plan. I wish this collaboration between HPCIDBC and NTNC will be
continued during the implementation of the Plan as well.
I would like to take this oppurtunity to thank to UNEP and UN-HABITAT for their support in the development of the plan.
I would also like to thank all the professionals involved in developing the Plan.
Mr. Deep Basnyat

Secretary
Ministry of Physical Planning & Works
vii

Foreword
It is our great pleasure to present you the Bagmati Action Plan, a most waiting comprehensive document prepared to
restore and conserve the Bagmati River system. This action plan identifies the key stakeholders and the potential partners
for the effective implementation of the Bagmati Action Plan. This plan also introduces a new concept of zonation of the river
system within the Kathmandu valley. The zonation of the river system has been proposed to effectively address the issues
at micro level.
National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has been working in the Terai and Mountain region since its establishment.
However NTNC presence in urban centre particularly in the Kathmandu valley is relatively low. The NTNC Board emphasized
our management to development programme for improving the urban environment. As we see that several organizations
are working in the Bagmati River, however due to lack of coordinated and effective intervention, the environmental
pollution in the Bagmati River is existed. Therefore we found that a comprehensive document is quite necessary to restore
and conserve this historically and culturally rich river.
This plan alone is nothing, but the effective implementation in an integrated approach is quite necessary to achieve the
vision of the Plan. A technical part is the main aspect of this plan therefore; the technical input from all concerned sides
should be consulted during the implementation of the Plan.
Lastly, I like to thank to Dr. Siddhartha B. Bajracharya for making a concluding end of preparation works of this precious
document. I also like to thank to the consultant team, editorial team and to all the stakeholders who have provide their
invaluable support and suggestions to prepare this document.
Mr. Juddha Bahadur Gurung

Member Secretary
viii
Acknowledgement
The Bagmati Action Plan (BAP) is prepared with arduous efforts Roshan Raj Shrestha, and the review team member who has
and contributions of several organizations and individuals. On contributed significantly in preparing the Bagmati Action Plan.
behalf of NTNC, we would like to extend gratitude to all of More precisely, Dr. Mahesh Banskota, Mr. Kishore Thapa, Prof.
them. NTNC would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dr. Promod Kumar Jha and Mr. Deependra Joshi.
United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office of Asia
and the Pacific (UNEP/ROAP), Bangkok and UN-HABITAT Water Mr Juddha Bahadur Gurung, Member Secretary, NTNC,
for Asian Cities Programme, Nairobi for their support to prepare encouraged the team during the entire period of preparation.
BAP. Mr. Surendra Shrestha, UNEP, Dr. Subrato Sinha, UNEP, Mr. I would also like to thank Mr. Ganga Jung Thapa, Executive
Andre Dzikus, UN-HABITAT, Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, UN-HABITAT, Officer, Mr. Jitendra R Onta, Director Finance, Mr. Deepak K Singh,
Dr. Yeong-Wan Seo, UNEP-EPLC deserve special gratefulness for Director Administration, Dr. Shanta R Jnawali, Director Terai
their respective contributions. Programme, Mr Ngamindra Dahal, Mr. Bidur P Pokharel and
the other NTNC staff for their cooperation. Mr. Ratna Raj Timsina,
Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Programme Officer deserves special thanks for his untiring
Works, and the High Powered Committee for Bagmati support during the preparation of the Plan. I would also take
Civilization Integrated Development (HPCIDBC) deserve special this opportunity to thank Mr. Arup Rajouria, former Member
thanks for collaboration and coordination with the National Secretary of KMTNC for his initiative to start our intervention in
Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) to prepare this Action the urban environment.
Plan. NTNC would like to sincerely acknowledge the
Government of Nepal for expressing their serious commitment Finally, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Bagmati
to restore and conserve the Bagmati River System by Action Plan team for the timely completion of the task with
endorsement and owning the Bagmati Action Plan. their zeal and professional team spirit. I would particularly like
to thank Ms. Sangeeta Singh, Dr. Bhushan Raj Shrestha, Dr.
Our conservation partners WWF, IUCN, UNDP and ICIMOD Kavita B. Shrestha, Dr. Suresh Das Shrestha, Dr. Bandana Pradhan,
extended their support and assistance right from the beginning Dr. Narendra Man Shakya, Mr. Padma Sunder Joshi, PhD, Mr.
of this work. They not only provided us with precious Prakash Darnal, Dr. Raj B. Shrestha, Dr. Keshab Shrestha,
information but also with valuable comments and suggestions Mr. Bhusan Tuladhar, Mr. Bipin Chitrakar, Mr. Binod Sharma, Mr.
on various issues pertinent to the Action Plan. The Trust would Amrit Man Shrestha, Ms. Shriju Pradhan, Ms. Mamata Sayami,
like to thank independent reviewers Mr. Deepak Gyawali, Dr. Ms. Sichu Shrestha, and other team members.

Executive Officer
ix

Executive Summary
Background and the degradation of river ecosystems are the major issues.
Besides, narrowing and deepening of water way, degradation
The Bagmati river is one of the important river systems of of catchment quality and water quality, eroding aesthetic and
Nepal with high cultural and aesthetical values. However, in cultural values, riverside land use changes etc. are the critical
the absence of planned and coordinated restoration and issues of the Bagmati river system. Previous studies have
conservation efforts, environmental degradation and cultural given an account that water quality is not in same condition
erosion of the Bagmati river system has continued unabated. in all river segments. The Bagmati river system has been
The Bagmati Action Plan (BAP) has been formulated with the classified into four standard water quality classes based on
aim to restore and conserve the Bagmati river and its tributaries the saprobic approach (i.e. pollution level). These are: Class I:
in an integrated and coordinated approach. BAP covers the Non-polluted; Class II: Moderately polluted; Class III: Heavily
Bagmati river system from Shivapuri hill to Katuwal Daha. The polluted; and Class IV: Extremely polluted. It is clearly visible
Bagmati river originates at Baghdwar about 15 km northeast that the river water quality in the Shivapuri National Park and
of Kathmandu in Shivapuri hill and its tributaries originate its surrounding hills are still in good condition and gradually
from different parts of the Valley. It flows by several important deteriorate as it flows towards the urban area. The water
parts of Kathmandu, including the Pashupatinath temple. The extremely polluted mainly in the central part of the Valley.
river is fed by natural springs and monsoon rainfall. The Bagmati
river system includes seven tributaries - Bagmati, Bishnumati, Zoning
Dhobikhola (Rudramati), Manahara, Nakkhu, Balkhu and
Tukucha (Ichhumati) rivers and the five sub-tributaries The issues mentioned here do not have equal level of
Godavari, Hanumate, Sangla, Mahadev and Kodku Khola. significance in all river segments. An issue which is critical for
upstream may not be critical for downstream. To effectively
The environmental degradation of the river system has address the key issues at a micro level, a concept of zonation
accelerated due to increase in unplanned urbanization of the of the river system within the Kathmandu valley has been
Kathmandu valley. At present, the river has been used as introduced. Zonation of the River system will also help in
dumping sites for all types of wastes. To combat the present developing and implementing the action plan more effectively
situation, many organizations are working in Bagmati with at the zone level. Therefore on the basis of the existing status
number of good programmes such as clean up campaigns, of the water quality in river segments and the population
plantation, awareness programmes etc. However, these density of the area, the whole river system of the Kathmandu
initiatives did not produce significant impacts except generating valley has been classified into five different zones i.e. Zone 1
public awareness to some extent. Therefore, National Trust for to 5. They are Natural Conservation Core Zone (Zone 1), Rural
Nature Conservation (NTNC) has taken the initiative for the Zone (Zone 2), Peri-urban Zone (Zone 3), Urban Zone (Zone
preparation of the Bagmati Action Plan. The plan is a 4) and Downstream zone (Zone 5).
comprehensive document that includes all the programmes
and activities to be carried out at different locations and at Zone 1 is the natural conservation core zone (323 sq km,
different time interval. This plan has also identified the potential i.e. 45.1% of targeted area) consisting of green hills
organizations working in the Bagmati river. surrounding the Valley such as Phulchowki (2,800m),
Shivapuri (2,453m), Chandragiri (2,365m) and Nagarjun
Issues (2,100m). The major catchment areas lies within this zone.
The bordering area of Zone 1 is classified as Zone 2 or
The issues related to the Bagmati river and its tributaries are Rural Zone (150 sq km, i.e. 21% of targeted area). The
more or less of similar nature. Decrease in water discharge Bagmati River and its tributaries flow through this zone.
x
Population density in this zone is higher than Zone 1. It is sanitation is given higher priority at Zones 1 and 5. Managing
still being dominated by agricultural land. waste through managing faecal sludge is given high priority in
some areas. Similarly, afforestation program is given high priority
Zone 3 is the peri-urban zone of the Valley (113 sq km, i.e. in Zone 1.
15.8% of total targeted area), and is located between rural
and core urban city of the Kathmandu Valley. Many urbanizing Monitoring is very critical to fulfil vision, goals and objectives
VDCs are located in this zone. Population density here is of the action plan. Regular monitoring is very essential from
comparatively higher than Zone 2 and lesser than Zone 4. The the concerned authorities to identify how effectively and
river ecosystem is in Class III (critically polluted) category. Zone efficiently the proposed activities were implemented. It also
4 is the urban zone and is highly urbanized zone consisting of provides the adequate correction on the implementing
five municipalities of the Valley—Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, activities before it is too late. The monitoring plan clearly
Madhyapur Thimi and Kirtipur. Almost all major tributaries pass presents the activities of the respective zones and their means
through this zone and the confluences of the tributaries are of verification. It also identifies HPCIDBC as the key organization
located in the central part of this zone. Water quality of the responsible for carrying out the monitoring activities.
river is worst with Class IV (extremely polluted) category. Zone
5 is situated in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley Budget
from Sundarighat to Katuwal daha. This zone is mainly
dominated by agricultural land with low population density. The total Plan outlay for five years is approximately NRs.
The Bagmati River drains out of the Valley through this zone. 15,000,000,000 (Fifteen billion only). The budget has been
Despite low population density in this zone, water quality in calculated considering all possible fixed and variable costs.
the river segment is extremely polluted. The projected budget also addresses the issues related to
empirical information, ground-based realities, population
Action Plan projection, and inflation rate. The cost of DEWATS and faecal
sludge management involves complex calculation which is
The Action Plan has set the overall vision for restoration and based on the population projected for specific area suitable
conservation of the Bagmati river system and defined goals, for DEWATS. Of the total budget, 20.19% of budget is
objectives and activities for each zone. Certain key activities which allocated for first year, 26.21% in the second year, 21.80%
are valid in all the zones are included as cross cutting activities. in the third year, 18.14% for fourth year and 13.63% for
These activities are either common for all zones or their outputs final year. Similarly, among the zones, major investment
help to build the capacity of HPCIDBC and other agencies working has been proposed for the Zone 4.
for the restoration and conservation of the Bagmati river and its
tributaries. Other activities identified for each zone are based on Successful implementation of the Action Plan could bring change
the key issues identified in corresponding zones. This action plan in the management paradigm in restoration and conservation
has given due recognition to the priority activities that have of the Bagmati river and its tributaries. The government must
been recommended by previous interventions. Action to be ensure that adequate resources are forthcoming and the Action
undertaken for managing waste is one of the most challenging Plan implementation process is smooth in reaching goals and
tasks in developing this plan. Conventional waste water ultimately the vision. Substantial efforts should be made to
management system recommended by previous projects is still strengthen HPCIDBC in terms of technical capacity, financial
valid for city core (Zone 4). Therefore, actions recommended for resources and legal back up. More importantly, the successful
managing waste water for these areas are mainly based on the implementation of the Action Plan not only brings the river
same technology with some modification in some cases. The back to life but also enhances the overall urban environment
action plan has recommended DEWATS as a new approach to of the Kathmandu valley. However, this demands serious political
manage waste water, especially for Zones 2 and 3. On-site commitment at the national level.
xi

Acronyms
ASP Activated Sludge Process
BAP Bagmati Action Plan
BASP Bagmati Area Sewerage Construction/Rehabilitation Project
HPCIDBC High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization
BCN Bird Conservation Nepal
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand
BRCP Bagmati River Conservation Project
CBS Central Bereau of Statistics
CDM Clean Development Mechanism
CIUD Centre for Integrated Urban Development
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
DDC District Development Committee
DEWATS Decentralized Waste Water Treatment System
DoA Department of Agriculture
DoAr Department of Archaeology
DoPRM Department of Pesticides Registration and Management
DHM Department of Hydrology and Meteorology
DO Dissolved Oxygen
DUDBC Department of Urban Development and Building Code
DWIDP Department of Water Induced Disaster Preparedness
DWSS Department of Water Supply and Sewerage
ECCA Environmental Camps for Conservation Awareness
EFR Environment Flow Requirement
ENPHO Environment and Public Health Organisation
FoB Friends of Bagmati
FSM Fecal Sludge Management
GIS/RS Geographical Information System/Remote Sensing
GO Governmental Office
INGO International Non Governmental Organisation
IUCN The World Conservation Union
KAPRIMO Kathmandu Participatory River Monitoring
KEEP Kathmandu Environmental Education Project
KMC Kathmandu Metropolitan City
KUKL Kathmandu Upatayka Khanepani Limited
KVO Kathmandu Valley Outlook
MoAC Ministry of Agriculture and cooperatives
MFR Minimum Flow Requirement
MLD Million Liter per Day
NEFEJ Nepal Forum for Environmental Journalists
NEPCEMAC Nepal Pollution Control and Environment Management Centre
NGO Non Govermnental Organisation
NPC National Planning Commission
NRCT Nepal River Conservation Trust
NTNC National Trust for Nature Conservation
PADTA Pashupati Area Development Trust Act
SBR Squencing Bio Reactor
SEDC Sagarmatha Environment Development Centre
ShNP Shivapuri National Park
SME Small and Medium Enterprise
SWMRMC Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilisation Centre
ToR Terms of Reference
TSS Total Suspenended Solids
TSTP Teku Septage Treatment Plant
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme
VDC Village Development Committee
WECS Water and Energy Commission Secretariat
WEG Women Environment Group
WEPCO Women Environment Preservation Committee
xii
Table of Contents
MESSAGES ........................................................................................................................................................................... ii-vi
FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................................................................... vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................................................................................... viii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................................ ix
ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................................................ xi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................................. xii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1. BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................................ 1

1.2 KATHMANDU VALLEY .............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.3. RATIONALE OF THE BAGMATI ACTION PLAN .......................................................................................................... 5
1.4. PLAN FORMULATION PROCESS ............................................................................................................................... 5
1.5. LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
1.6 ORGANISATION OF THE PLAN ................................................................................................................................. 6
CHAPTER 2: BAGMA
CHAPTER TI RIVER AND IT
GMATI ITSS TRIBUTARIES ............................................................................................... 7
TRIBUTARIES
2.1. BAGMATI ................................................................................................................................................................. 7

2.2. BISHNUMATI ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.3. TUKUCHA (ICHHUMATI) ........................................................................................................................................... 9
2.4. DHOBIKHOLA (RUDRAMATI) ................................................................................................................................... 9
2.5. MANAHARA .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.6. BALKHU ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
2.7. NAKKHU ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
2.8. SUB-TRIBUTARIES ................................................................................................................................................. 11
CHAPTER 3: KEY IS
CHAPTER SUES OF B
ISSUES BAAGMATI RIVER ...................................................................................................... 1 5
GMATI
3.1. RIVER ECOSYSTEM AND WASTE WATER ............................................................................................................... 15

3.2. RIVER SIDE LAND USE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ............................................................................... 20
3.3. CULTURE AND HERITAGE ....................................................................................................................................... 21
3.4 KEY CHALLENGES .................................................................................................................................................. 21
TER 4: ZZONING
CHAPTER
CHAP ONING OF THE KATHMANDU V
KATHMANDU ALLEY RIVER SSYS
VALLEY YSTEM ...................................................................... 2 3
YSTEM
4.1. NATURAL CONSERVATION CORE ZONE ................................................................................................................. 23

4.2. RURAL ZONE ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.3. PERI-URBAN ZONE ............................................................................................................................................... 24
4.4. URBAN ZONE ........................................................................................................................................................ 25
4.5. DOWNSTREAM ZONE ............................................................................................................................................ 25
CHAPTER 5: LE
CHAPTER GISLA
LEGISLA TIVE ARRANGEMENT
GISLATIVE ARRANGEMENTSS .......................................................................................................... 3 1
5.1. ACTS AND POLICIES .............................................................................................................................................. 31

5.2. STRATEGIES AND PLANS ...................................................................................................................................... 33
CHAPTER 6: ACTION PLAN .................................................................................................................................. 3 5
CHAPTER 7: IMPLEMENT
CHAPTER ATION SSTRA
IMPLEMENTA TRATE
TRATEGY AND M
TEG ONIT
MONIT ORING PLAN .................................................................... 4 1
ONITORING
CHAPTER 8: BUDGET PLAN ................................................................................................................................. 5 1

xiii

REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 9
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................................... 7 1
ANNEX ........................................................................................................................................................... 7 5
List of Tables
Table 1.1: Population projection of Kathmandu Valley for 30 years ................................................................................... 2
Table 2.1: Details of Bagmati river and its tributaries (length, elevation and origin) ....................................................... 8
Table 3.1: Water quality parameters .................................................................................................................................. 17
Table 3.2: Waste generation in five municipalities ............................................................................................................ 17
Table 7.1: Monitoring Plan (Zone 1) .................................................................................................................................... 44
Table 7.6: Monitoring Plan ................................................................................................................................................... 50
Table 8.1: Five years budget for BAP .................................................................................................................................. 53
Table 8.2: Budget for Bagmati Action Plan (Cross cutting activities) ............................................................................... 54
Table 8.3: Budget for Bagmati Action Plan (Zone 1) .......................................................................................................... 56
List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Trend of population growth in Kathmandu Valley ............................................................................................. 2
Figure 2.1: Average BOD level at different locations of Bagmati ...................................................................................... 9
Figure 2.2: Average BOD level at different locations of Bishnumati .................................................................................. 9
Figure 3.1: Average discharge at Sundarijal (m3/s) .......................................................................................................... 16
Figure 4.1: Visitors’ trend in Shivapuri National Park ........................................................................................................ 25
Figure 8.1: Sectoral allocation of budget for 2008—2009 ................................................................................................. 51
Figure 8.2: Distribution of five-year budget ....................................................................................................................... 52
Figure 8.3: Budget allocation for general and zone-wise plans ........................................................................................ 52
List of Maps
Map 1: Location map of Upper Bagmati Basin ................................................................................................................... 3
Map 2: River networks of the Kathmandu Valley ................................................................................................................ 4
Map 3: Village Development Committees and Municipalities of the Kathmandu valley ................................................ 13
Map 4: Land use map of the Kathmandu Valley ................................................................................................................ 14
Map 5: Catchment area of the major rivers of Kathmandu Valley ................................................................................... 26
Map 6: Zonation of the Kathmandu Valley ......................................................................................................................... 27
Map 7: River water quality and population density in different zones ............................................................................ 28
Map 8: Water quality and different zones .......................................................................................................................... 29
Map 9: Waste water treatment system and population density ...................................................................................... 30
Map 10: Waste water management plan for the Kathmandu Valley (with zones) ......................................................... 40
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.Background attaches spiritual and emotional significance to the Nepali people,

most of the important temples, shrines, ghats, etc. are located along
The Bagmati is the principal river of the Bagmati basin in Nepal. The the river banks and are used for different cultural and ritual purposes.
river originates in the Kathmandu Valley, which comprises about Therefore, conservation of rivers is very important for the protection
15% of the area of the Bagmati basin in Nepal. The Bagmati basin is of both natural resources and rich cultural heritage of the Valley.
characterized as medium or dry basin fed by springs and monsoon
rainfall (WECS, 2008). Based on the morphology and land use, the The Bagmati river currently faces a number of serious environmental
Bagmati basin can be divided into various sub-basins, viz. Upper and ecological challenges. Urbanization and industrialization of the
Bagmati, Upper Middle Bagmati, Lower Middle (Tarai) Bagmati and river’s headwaters at Kathmandu has deteriorated water quality
the Lower Bagmati (Tarai) sub-basins. This Action Plan covers the with consequences on the aquatic ecosystem and on the health of
Bagmati river system from Shivapuri hills to Katuwal Daha, including the urban dwellers. Increasing population pressure on the fragile
the Bagmati river and all its tributaries (Map 1). mountain slopes has also resulted in rapid degradation of natural
resources. Consequently, deforestation, soil erosion, landslide,
The Bagmati river originates at Baghdwar, about 15 km northeast of siltation, etc. are occurring in and around the catchment area.
Kathmandu in Shivapuri hill and its tributaries originate from different
parts of the Valley (Map 2). This portion of the Bagmati river is part Urbanization of Kathmandu Valley has strongly influenced Bagmati
of the Upper Bagmati basin and is a very important part of the basin river. The direct impacts of present urbanization are especially
system. It flows by several important parts of Kathmandu, including visible in the Bagmati river and its tributaries where they have
the Pashupatinath temple. The river is fed by natural springs and been used as dumping sites for all types of wastes. The rich cultural
monsoon rainfall. The average annual rainfall is 1900mm, of which heritage along the river and its tributaries such as traditional
about 80% occurs during monsoon (June-September). Rivers in the monuments, ghats and temples, is gradually eroding. The river has
Valley also possess rich cultural and heritage values. As Bagmati been widely used for different purposes ranging from sand extraction
2
1.2. Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley lies between latitudes 27°32’13" and

27°49’10" north and longitudes 85°11’31" and 85°31’38" east. It is
surrounded by the hills of Mahabharat range forming a bowl-shaped
valley floor (Map 1). It consists of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur
districts with five municipalities and 99 Village Development
Committees (Map 3).
© Siddhartha/NTNC
A temperate climate prevails in Kathmandu Valley. The mean annual

temperature in the Kathmandu Valley is 18o C. The coldest month is
January with the mean temperature of 10o C. The warmest months
are July and August, with an average temperature of 24oC. The
valley has an annual rainfall of 1,400mm. The wettest month is
July with an average rainfall of about 370 mm. November and
December are the driest months, the average rainfall is less than 6
to land encroachment. It has been reported that more than half of mm (URBAIR -Kathmandu Valley Report, 1997).
the fish species in the Bagmati river has disappeared. This indicates
Table 1.1. Population projection of the Kathmandu
that some parts of the river are biologically dead. In recent times,
Valley for 30 Years
the Kathmanduites have expressed deep concern over the plight of
the Bagmati river and its environment. Acute shortage of water Year Population projection
has forced certain sections of the society to use the polluted water 1991 1,000,000
from the Valley rivers, which might have escalated water-borne 1998 1,500,000
2004 2,000,000
diseases.
2009 2,500,000
2012 3,000,000
In the absence of effective and coordinated conservation and 2016 3,800,000
management of the Bagmati river, environmental degradation
Source: ESPS 2003
and water pollution will continue unabated. There are several
organisations working in the conservation and management of
Fig.1.1. Trend of population growth in
Bagmati river (Annex 1). Besides, the government has allocated Kathmandu Valley
Rs. 11 million to clean rivers of the Kathmandu Valley and has
also included policies and programmes in the Three Year Interim Projection of Population in Kathmandu Valley (1991-2016)
Plan (2007/08-2009/10). The Plan has adopted policies related 4000000
3500000
with conservation, promotion and sustainable use of biodiversity. 3000000
2500000
Number
It has also sought to harness traditional knowledge through 2000000

1500000
research, development and institutional arrangements. 1000000
500000
0
'91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 '01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16
Although efforts have been made to conserve the fragile natural Year
resources of the Kathmandu Valley through the declaration of the

upper catchment area as the protected area (Shivapuri National
Park), achieving the objectives of conservation and management of
the resources in the catchment area remains a serious problem. Kathmandu Valley being the economic and administrative center
Besides, these efforts are scattered and impacts are insignificant for of Nepal is experiencing a very high population growth rate over
conserving and restoring Bagmati. A scientifically planned the decades. According to the population census carried out in 1981
intervention to conserve and restore the Bagmati river has not yet the population was 7,66,345 which increase to 11,05,379 in 1991
been started. In this context, the National Trust for Nature census, with the annual growth rate of 4.2%. The population census
Conservation (NTNC), jointly with the High Powered Committee for data for 2001 reveals that there are 16,56,951 people in the
Integrated Development of the Bagamti Civilization (HPCIDBC), has Kathmandu valley by the end of 2001, with annual growth rate of
initiated a project to study the Bagmati river environment and its 4.9% per annum. In the present trend of population growth rate in
tributaries and develop a comprehensive plan of action for five years Kathmandu valley it is estimated to reach 21,04,685 by the end of
through consultation with the major stakeholders. 2006 and 33,95,799 by the end of 2016. The population density of
Map 1: Location map of Upper Bagmati Basin
3

4
Map 2: River networks of the Kathmandu Valley

5

Kathmandu valley was 852 people per square kilometer in 1981 of sand; (v) space for public infrastructure, e.g. roads and water tanks;
and 1230 people per square kilometer in 1991, which has reached and (vi) preferred zones for squatters and other encroachments. The
1843 people per square kilometer in 2001. The population for continuous process of degradation of the Bagmati river has damaged
Kathmandu valley for 1991, 2001 and projection for coming 15 the urban environment causing acute water scarcity for the city dwellers.
years presented in the figure below.
Several efforts have been made in past for the conservation of
The Kathmandu Valley is highly rich in culture and heritage. The the rivers in the Valley. Different studies and recommendations,
Bagmati river has always remained an important part of this culture several plans and programmes, number of projects, several clean-
and heritage in the Kathmandu Valley. It is widely believed that the up campaigns, awareness programmes, and promulgation of
civilization of the Kathmandu Valley starts from the Bagmati river. different policies and acts were initiated by various agencies for
Majority of temples and ghats lie along the river bank. Kings and the conservation of the Bagmati river but in isolated forms.
commoners alike built pati, pauwa, stone spouts, temples, etc. Previous interventions by different organisations and their key
near the river bank in memory of the deceased member of their functions on Bagmati protection has been given in Annex I. Various
family or for religious purposes. Most of the revered temples such organisations that have played a role in the past have been (i)
as Bajrayogini, Gokarna, Budhanilkantha, Tika Bhairav and Shobha Friends of the Bagmati; (ii) Nepal River Conservation Trust; (iii)
Bhagwati are located near river sides. Among the seven World Bagmati Sarokar Samiti; (iv) Environment and Public Health
Heritage Sites of cultural importance of Nepal, the Pashupatinath Organisation and (v) Women Environment Preservation Committee.
temple is situated along the bank of the Bagmati river and
Changunarayan lies near the Manahara river. The rivers and its However, inspite of these efforts, there has not been any success in
confluences are equally important for cultural rituals. There were containing the increasing pollution, encroachment of the river bank
many traditional community institutions such as guthi for managing and its flood plains and deterioration of the cultural heritage. The
these cultural heritage sites along the river banks. scale of the problem has been far too big for many of the genuine
efforts as clean-up campaigns and river festivals, the isolated efforts
1.3. Rationale of the Bagmati Action have also not helped either (Annex IX). Hence, NTNC with the support
Plan of UNEP and UN-HABITAT has agreed to support HPCIDBC to address
the complex issues of Bagmati conservation and develop a
The rapidly increasing population and related solid waste dumping comprehensive and realistic Bagmati Action Plan (BAP).
in the rivers, discharge of industrial effluents together with direct
discharge of domestic sewage have made the Bagmati river and Thus, the Action Plan has been formulated for the conservation and
its tributaries excessively polluted in some parts of the Valley. The restoration of the Bagmati river and its tributaries in an integrated
river’s capacity to purify itself, by means of interaction between and coordinated approach with appropriate management
biotic and abiotic characteristics of the river, has been slowly interventions.
declining. Structures around the ghats (where last rites are
performed) are rapidly deteriorating. Traditional community
institutions such as guthis have become non-functional. Many
archaeological and historical sites await immediate conservation
and management interventions. Flow Chart 1: BAP Planning Process
Analysis of existing Review

A recent study (KAPRIMO, 2007) on water flow and water quality has GIS
models meeting
indicated a very alarming situation. It has classified most parts of
the rivers within the Kathmandu Valley as being excessively polluted.
Literature review Draft Bagmati
Pollution of these rivers has considerable impacts on the overall
Action Plan
urban environment and human health. However, experiences from
elsewhere in the world demonstrate that it is possible to restore and Field survey Review
conserve polluted rivers such as the Bagmati river and its tributaries meeting
(Box 1 Nanjing Qinhuai river, China). Peer review
Community
consultations
The Bagmati river is currently used for different purposes: (i) major
source for municipal, industrial and irrigation water for the Kathmandu Expert Bagmati
Valley; (ii) cultural and religious practices; (iii) disposal of water-borne consultations Action Plan
effluents and deposition of solid waste along the banks; (iv) extraction
6
1.4. Plan formulation process

Box 1: Nanjing Qinhuai River then and now

The following processes were adopted for the
preparation of the Bagmati Action Plan:
i. Secondary data and information about the

Bagmati river and the Kathmandu Valley
available from different sources were
collected and analysed. Most of the major
reports related to urban development, rivers ...then ...now
Then Now
and water resources, water, waste water and
solid waste management in the Kathmandu Once Qinhuai river used to be a highly polluted river of Nanjing in China. Illegal
Valley were reviewed. Gloabal case studies slums and squatters along the river, filthy environment as well as the contaminated
on river restoration and conservation smelly river had severely reduced the quality of human settlements, environment
and urban images. In 2002, the Nanjing Municipal Government (NMG) attempted
programme including success and failure to rehabilitate Qinhuai river through a comprehensive programme, including water
studies were reviewed and documented. replenishment, sewage interception, resettlement, riverbank restoration, and
ii. Intensive field surveys were conducted along construction of access roads.
the rivers, protected area and surrounding By 2005, in the first phase, the Commission accomplished the achievement by
hills for potential water sources (Annex II); resettling 380,000 square metre area; relocating 4,365 households; shifting 94
companies; upgrading 20 km flood-preventing wall; laying 25 km sewer interception
iii. GIS and statistical tools were intensively utilised pipeline; intercepting 550 urban sewer outlets; maintaining 5 km city wall; creating
for zoning and analysing data based on the data more than 10 scenic spots; decorating 110 residential houses; and refurbishing 13
collected from secondary sources and bridges with the total investment of USD 400 miliion.
information gathered from field observations; In 2006, second phase of the rehabilitation work was anchored that include
iv. A series of meetings and discussions were rehabilitation of 18 km of river, construction of 7 bridges, and construction of
ecological wetland parks. Today, it is a flowing, picturesque, and prosperous river
organised with governmental and non-
area. The Nanjing-Qinhuai river has become a historical, cultural and tourism scenic
governmental organisations, CBOs, hub of China characterizing ancient human civilization of Nanjing. In view of the
stakeholders and experts of various thematic great success achieved, UN-Habitat nominated Nanjing as a pilot city in water
areas; environment improvement in the Asian Cities Water Program.
v. Several community consultations and (Source: Nanjing Qinhuai River Rehabilitation Project)
interviews were organised with local
communities and stakeholders (Annex III);
vi. Several workshops, seminars and meetings were held by plan formulation process and its limitations. Chapter 2 deals with the
involving different groups relating to Bagmati river aimed at Bagmati river, its associated tributaries and sub-tributaries, and is
disseminating the process of developing action plan and receive aimed at providing status, problems and issues of each of the tributaries.
feedbacks. Chapter 3 identifies key issues of the Bagmati river, its implications on
vii. The draft BAP was shared and discussed in a series of meetings the river ecosystems and waste water; river side land use patterns,
held with the secretaries and high ranking officers of the socio-economic scenario, existing culture and heritage, and key
Government of Nepal at the PMs office, various ministries and challenges confronting the Bagmati river. Possible threats and
departments opportunities that rapid urbanisation and haphazard growth would
generate for the conservation of the Bagmati river and its sustainable
1.5. Limitations use are also identified and discussed. Chapter 4 discusses about the
strategic and systematic approach of zoning concept that classifies
The Action Plan has been developed based on the qualitative the Bagmati river into five zones which set the framework for the
approach requiring subjective judgment in some cases. Limited plan. Chapter 5 explains the existing legislative arrangements and
availability of database, decision support systems and knowledge their inter-relationship with the Bagmati river.
base also remained as a serious constraint in developing the plan.
Chapter 6 covers vision, goals, objectives and activities of the Action
1.6. Organisation of the Plan Plan. Chapter 7 discusses the implementation strategy and monitoring
plan with various indicators that help in tracking the achievements
The Bagmati Action Plan has been organised into eight chapters. and impacts based on the Plan's objectives. Chapter 8 provides the
Chapter 1 introduces the Bagmati river, the Kathmandu Valley and budget for the first five years with current budget allocation and
gives the rationale for the preparation of the Plan. It also highlights the proposed plan.
© Siddhartha/NTNC
2 BAGMATI RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
2.1. Bagmati Chilaune and Mulkharka are situated close to the source of the
Bagmati river. Sanitation system in these settlements is very
The Bagmati river originates in Baghdwar of Shivapuri hills in the poor as open defecation is widely prevalent in these villages. A
north of the Kathmandu Valley (see photos below). The river is fed large volume of water is diverted for the city water supply by the
by numerous tributaries originating from the Mahabharat and Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) at Sundarijal.
Siwaliks range before it reaches the Terai at Karmaiya and to the Besides, water is also diverted into different locations for
Gangetic plain. The total catchment area of the Bagmati river is irrigation, industrial and household use.
about 157 sq km (Map 5) with the length of 44 km from its origin at
an elevation of 2732m to Katuwal daha, which lies at an elevation The quality of water at Sundarijal at the foothill is at the acceptable
of 1140m (Topography Map, Department of Survey, 1998). The level. The Dissolved Oxygen (DO) value at Sundarijal during monsoon
Bagmati Action Plan focuses only in that part of the Bagmati river period ranges between 6 to 10 mg/l. The 5mg/l DO value is
and its tributaries that lies within the Kathmandu Valley. Major assumed to be the threshold value of water, or higher the value of
tributaries of the Bagmati river in the Valley include Manahara, DO, better the quality of water. The maximum desirable BOD level
Dhobikhola, Tukucha, Bishnumati, Balkhu and Nakkhu. for drinking, aquatic life, bathing and agriculture is 4mg/l, 6mg/l
and 10mg/l respectively as recommended by BBWMSIP (1994).
In the northernmost origin of the Bagmati river, there are many
small and large wetlands that exist inside the Shivapuri National Direct disposal of untreated sewage has been prevalent in Jorpati,
Park and the surrounding hills such as dhap, Panimuhan, Taudaha Tilganga, Minbhawan, Sankhamul, Jwagal, Kupandole, Sanepa, Teku,
and Basantigaun ponds. Such wetlands contribute to recharging Balkhu, Sundarighat and Chobhar (Fig.2.1). Toilets in squatter
of the rivers. Syalmati and Nagmati streams join the Bagmati settlements are being directly discharged into the river. Heavily
near its source in the Shivapuri hills. Villages such as Okhreni, polluted tributaries such as Dhobikhola, Bishnumati and Tukucha
8
© BAP Study Team
© BAP Study Team

Origin of the Bagmati river at Bagdwar. Outlet of Bagmati river at Katuwal Daha.
Table. 2.1. Details of Bagmati River and its tributaries (length, elevation and origin)
Name Length (km) Elevation(m) Origin Name Length (km) Elevation (m) Origin
Bagmati 35.5 2732 Shivapuri Bagdwar Manamati 6.1 2000 Bhangari Danda
Bishnumati 17.3 2300 Shivapuri Tarebhir Manohara 23.5 2375 Manichaur

Danda
Bosan 6.1 1800 Pokhari Bhanjyang Matatirtha 5.0 2000 Matatirtha Danda
Dhobi Khola 18.2 2732 Shivapuri Danda Nagmati 7.9 2443 Shivapuri Danda
Godawari 14.8 2200 Phulchoki Danda Nakhu 17.6 2200 Bhardue Danda
Hanumante 23.5 2000 Mahadev Pokhari Samakhusi 6.4 1350 Dharampur East
Indrawati 16.8 1700 Dahachowk Danda Sangla 10.7 2000 Aale Danda
Indrayani 7.0 2000 Bhangari Danda Syalmati 4.8 2200 Shivapuri Danda
Kodaku 14.9 2000 Tleshwor Danda Tribeni 10.7 1700 Bhirkot
Mahadav 9.2 2000 Aale Danda Tukucha 6.4 1325 Maharajung
Source: Pradhan B. (2005)
join the Bagmati as it flows towards the Chobhar gorge. River Narayantar, Jwagal, Thapathali, Balkhu and Chobhar (BASP 2008).
banks downstream is used as solid waste dumping sites of individual In Sundarijal, bamboo weirs have been constructed across the river
houses and municipalities. Private organisations collecting waste to trap sand. About 50 trucks of sand is excavated daily during
from households also dump wastes directly along the river banks at monsoon period from Sundarijal area alone.
locations such as Baneshwar, Gairigaun, Sinamangal, Jwagal and
Teku. Many important cultural and heritage sites/shrines such as
Sundarimai at Sundarijal, Uttar Bahini and Gokarneswor at Gokarna,
Both sides of river banks downstream from Gokarna have been Guheshwari and Pashupatinath temples at Pashupati, Sankhamul,
encroached for the collection of construction materials, cleaning, heritage sites along Thapathali—Teku stretch, and Chobhar Ganesh
dying and storing materials for small industries, workshops, roads, at Chobhar are situated along the river. Similarly, important ghats
squatter settlements, etc. Shantinagar, Bijaynagar, Jagritinagar, (cremation sites) Aryaghat, Chintamanighat, Sankhamulghat,
Gairigaun, Chandani Tole, Pragati Tole, Kalimati Dole, Kimal Phant, Kalmochanghat, Gokarneswar, Uttar Bahini and Sundarighats are
Bansighat, Kuriyagaun and Sankhamul are the major squatter also located along the river bank. Most of these sites are in
settlements along the river banks (Annex IV). deteriorating conditions simply because of inadequate management
interventions.
Major sand mining areas include Sundarijal, Guheshwari, Gairigaun,
9

Fig. 2.1 Average BOD level at different locations of Important religious and cultural sites such as Shobha Bhagwati,
Bagmati Indrayani, Kankeshwori, Ram Mandir, Tankeshwori, Shivadev
Basaha and Budhanilkantha are located along the Bishnumati
120
river. Most of these sites are in deteriorating condition. There
100 are also many cremation sites located at the river confluences.
80 Shobha Bhagwati is historically significant because two
renowned martyrs were hanged to death during the autocratic
60
Rana regime. The local clubs have built small community parks,
40
shrines and installed water hand pumps from Shobha Bhagwati
20 to the Teku stretches of the river.
0
2.3. Tukucha (Ichhumati)
ati
ar
u
a
l
at
n
n
at
ija
l
ng
lkh
mu
rn
va
wa
bh
rp
igh
igh
ar
ka
ga
Do
Ba
Jo
ha
o
ha
nd
ur
ar
Ch
Go
Til
nk
nb
Ga
Su
ku
nd
Sa
Mi
Te
Su
Tukucha, also known as Ichhumati, originates at Maharajgunj inside
2.2. Bishnumati the Valley. It is about 6.4 km long single channel without any tributary
(Pradhan, 1996). It joins the Bagmati at Kalmochan, Thapathali.
The total catchment area of Tukucha is about 8.94 sq km (Map 5).
Bishnumati river is a major tributary of the Bagmati river originating
It is the most polluted amongst all the tributaries. The BOD level
at Bishnudwar (2300m) at Shivapuri and flowing southward. The
measured at Thapathali (KAPRIMO, 2007) was 119.68 mg/l. At
length of the Bishnumati river is 17.3 km with the total catchment
present, Tukucha has become an open sewage drain.
area of 109.3 sq km (Map. 5). The Bishnumati river merges with
the Bagmati river at Teku Dovan. Its major tributaries are
The river sides have been extensively encroached by squatters,
Chharchhare, Ludi, Sangla, Mahadev, Samakhushi, Bhachakhushi
residential buildings and road construction. In some stretches such
and Manamati.
as Durbar Marg and Kamaladi, the river flows underneath the
buildings. The entire stretch of the river has been used for dumping
Large volume of water from Bishnumati is diverted for drinking
solid waste and waste water into the river. Bhatbhateni temple,
water and domestic use near the source close to the foothills (Annex
Nil Saraswati and Tudal Devi are important religious sites located
V). Diversion is also done from tributaries such as Sangla and
along this river and these sites are well preserved.
Mahadev Khola. In addition, pipes have been laid for pumping water
directly from the river to individual houses.
2.4. Dhobikhola (Rudramati)
Water sewer discharge through storm water drains are common
The Dhobikhola, also known as Rudramati river, originates from
in core areas such as Manamaiju, Nepaltar, Balaju, Mhepi, Khusibu,
the Shivapuri hills, and flows south to the heart of the city joining
Shobha Bhagwati, Dallu, Kankeswori and Kalimati. Squatter
the Bagmati river at Buddhanagar (Bijuli Bazar). Its length is 18.2
settlements in different locations along the river have toilet outlets
km (Pradhan, 1996) and the total catchment area is 31.2 sq km
directly into the river. Use of the river banks are almost similar to
(Map 5). Khahare Khola and Chakhuncha Khola are its tributaries.
the Bagmati river. Squatter settlements are located at Dhikure
Chauki, Kumaristhan, Buddhajyoti Marg, Balaju Jagriti Tole,
Sangam Tole and Ranibari in this river (Annex IV). The river banks Fig. 2.2. Average BOD level at different locations of
along the Gongabu Bus Park are being extensively used for Bishnumati
commercial purposes.
120
100
Most of the river banks are used for dumping solid wastes generated
from the city. Private organisations and municipalities are also 80
disposing wastes along the Kankeswori –Teku bridge stretch. The 60
study conducted by KAPRIMO (2007) has revealed the increasing 40
BOD levels as Bishnumati flows out of the core area of the city (Fig. 20
2.2). The level of DO (5.8 mg/l) at Thankot and Budhanilkantha 0
i
shows that the quality of water is at an acceptable level up to t tha tar iju ar ar llu u
r ko an a a kh az k
ha nil
k niy am ap
o
ya
b Da Te
Budhanilkantha. T
d ha Ba M
c hh Na
Bu Ma
10
The upstream section that passes through agricultural land has Catchment areas like Sankhu, Thali and Mulpani are covered by the
clear water, which is used for washing utensils, clothes and bathing agricultural land. According to Shrestha (2007), during the period
animals. The river is free from sewage along this stretch. The 1978—2002, forest area has reduced from 87% to only 17% while
discharge of raw sewage and solid waste dumping increases as it the cultivated land has increased to 77% and urban settlements
flows downstream from Kapan, Mandikatar, Maitidevi, Anamnagar have increased from 0.002% to 5%. Agricultural water pumps are
and the junction of Dhobikhola and Bagmati are common dumping seen at different locations. Riparain vegetation is still intact in
sites. Severely polluted stretches are from Chabahil to Siphal, upstream locations like Sankhu but has decreased downstream
Maitidevi to Baneswor, and from Anamnagar to Babarmahal. The (Bajracharya et. al., 2006).
level of BOD (KAPRIMO, (2007) at Buddhanagar was 108.23 mg/l in
February 2007. The ecological status and water quality of Manahara gradually
deteriorates from upstream to downstream (Shrestha, 2008).
Squatters have extensively encroached the river banks. Sukumbashi E.coli from sewer and solid waste (Barjacharya, 2006) is three
© BAP Study Team
Tole (settlement upstream of Gopi Krishna Hall at Chabahil and times higher at Sano Thimi compared to Sankhu. Sewage
Anamnagar) is at greater risk of flood hazards as it is a flood plain. connection lacking in upper reaches becomes prevalent
The river has been severely channelized by a newly constructed downstream. New sewer lines have been connected to discharge
road (Neupane, 2007). waste water directly into the rivers in newly urbanizing
locations. A small collection chamber has been constructed near
Limited sand mining occurs at Chunikhel but terrace mining is very Sano Thimi bridge to collect waste water from the Pepsicola
common along the river side. Large volume of sand is excavated Planning Area. Existing outlets of sewer along the river bank are
from the Baluwakhani and Adhikarigaon flood plains. Sand mining in very poor condition. The BOD level at Balkumari in Lalitpur
activities have exposed piers of the Chabahil Ring Road Bridge. district (KAPRIMO, 2007) was 30.09 mg/l . Dumping can be
observed at several locations along the Arniko Highway at
2.5. Manahara Jadibuti and Pepsicola Town Planning Area. Squatter settlements
are present near the bridge at Jadibuti and sand mining activities
Manahara river meets the Bagmati river at Chyasal. It originates are observed from Mulpani to Koteshwor. Bank erosion is also
from Manichaur danda in the north east and flows towards the common in some locations.
south-west. It is the longest tributary of the Bagmati, having a
length of 23.4 km (Pradhan, 1996). Total catchment area of the Culturally and historically important sites such as Bajrayogini,
Manahara river is 285.35 sq km (Map 5). The major tributaries are Salinadi Tirtha and Changunarayan are situated along the banks of
Hanumante, Salinadi, Godavari Khola, Kodku Khola and Ghatte Khola. this river and they are still in good condition.
11
2.6. Balkhu (Indramati)

Balkhu river originates in Chandragiri in the west. Also known as
Indramati, it meets Bagmati outside Ring Road at Balkhu. Thado Khola
is the major tributary. The total catchment area of the Balkhu river is
46.32 sq km (Map 5). Settlements like Thankot, Balambu, Tinthana
and Satungal lie in this catchment area. Population density is high
in Kalanki and Balkhu. The river is extensively used for washing
clothes, utensils and bathing animals.
Sewer drains are found in Thankot and Tinthana area further

downstream. Waste from Ranga Bazar at Satungal is discharged
directly into the river. Several small industries such as Sipradi and
© Siddhartha/NTNC
Pet Bottles are located along this stretch of the river. Foaming
substances floating on the river indicate the possibility of chemical
pollution in the river. The BOD level measured at Balkhu (KAPRIMO,
2007) was 27.14 mg/l.
Large dumps of solid waste is found accumulated near industrial River water being used for various purposes.
areas. River banks near Tinthana and Kalanki are used for dumping
solid waste by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Kirtipur Rato Machhindranath festival celebrated every twelve years
Municipality. Some squatter settlements are seen at the confluence (Barabarse Mela).
of the Thado Khola and the Balkhu river near Khasi Bazar. Important
religious sites are Ikkchha Brisheshwor Mahadev, Bishnu Devi and 2.8. Sub-tributaries
Bir Binayak temples.
There are also several important sub-tributaries. Five major sub-
2.7. Nakkhu tributaries considered to be important for the restoration of the
Bagmati river are Godavari, Kodku, Hanumante, Sangla and
Nakkhu Khola flows from the south and meets Bagmati near the Mahadev Khola.
Chobhar gorge. It originates from the ridge of Bhardeu and the
total catchment area of the watershed is 51.44 sq km (Map 5). 2.8.1. Godavari
Godavari river is the tributary of Manahara. It meets Hanumante at
Nallu and Lele Khola meet at Tikabhairab to form Nakkhu Khola. The Balkot, Bhaktapur. Freshwater fish recorded in the field survey
river water is diverted from the upstream of Nallu Khola at Basuki indicates good water quality in the river. Biodiversity and ecological
for drinking and irrigation. Rajkulo, an irrigation canal system conditions of the riverside are still close to their natural state. Various
constructed during the Malla Period (mid-1600s) and fed by Nallu birds and insects like dragon fly, butterfly, grass hopper and many
Khola is no more functional in many areas. Water is also diverted for bugs are indicators of high biodiversity in the surrounding riverside.
irrigation at Chhampi. A water treatment and distribution plant has
been constructed near the confluence of Nakkhu Khola and Bagmati. Water diversion for irrigation and drinking is seen in Godamchaur
and Godavari kunda. About 20-30 water tankers ferry drinking
Sewage pipes are directly discharging household waste at Tamang water daily to the city from the kunda alone. Local communities
Gaun. The condition of the sewer pipe is generally poor. The BOD charge Rs. 200 for a truck, 50% of which is used for local
level measured at Nakkhu (KAPRIMO, 2007) was 13.23 mg/l. Although development and remaining 50% goes for the development of
solid waste dumping is absent in the upstream areas, it has been kunda and surrounding temples. A portion of rajkulo still exists and
observed from Kusunti onwards. Industrial waste is relatively more drains water from the Godavari river to the adjoining areas.
than household waste. Some medium scale sand mining activity is
observed near the confluence of Bagmati and Nakkhu Khola. Sewer connections are rare but dumping of solid waste along the
river bank generates nuisance. Water turbidity is high due to marble
Culturally important temple of Tika Bhairab is located at the quarry at Godavari which is generating job opportunity for local
confluence of Nakkhu. Three day of festival (jatra) is celebrated on communities. Loss of natural vegetation in surrounding river sides
the occasion of Ram Navami. The Nakkhu river is also important for due to mining is clearly visible.
12
2.8.2. Hanumante Khola

Hanumante Khola is the tributary of Manahara and originates

from Mahadev danda in the eastern part of the Valley. It joins
Manahara at Phidol. Untreated sewage of Bhaktapur is directly
discharged into the river at Hanuman Ghat. Hanuman Ghat is one
© Siddhartha/NTNC
of the cremation sites of Bhaktapur. The banks of the river are
treated as dumping site of the municipality. The waste is strewn
everywhere at crematory, bridges and besides river banks.
Areas upstream and downstream of Bhaktapur and Thimi are

Encroachment of river banks by squatters.
highly urbanized. Few squatter settlements exist along the river
banks with sand mining activities at the confluence of Hanumante
and Manahara rivers. Hanumanghat, the confluence of Tabyakhusi
and Chakhu Khola, is culturally very important as there exists the are often used to stockpile sand and hume pipes. Recently constructed
Mahalaxmi temple. road network along both sides of the river has narrowed its channel.
Continuous drop in river discharge with the lowering of the river bed
2.8.3. Sangla Khola has made it unfeasible to directly pump water from the river.
Sangla Khola is a tributary of the Bishnumati river and originates
from Ale hill in the north-western part of the Valley. While the upstream 2.8.5. Kodku Khola
is relatively clean, areas beyond Tokha has been polluted. The Kodku Khola is 14.9 km long and flows north of the Manahara river. It
Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) has been diverting originates from the north facing slopes of the Tileswor danda and
water for city supply from this river. Construction of road and stone Bhagwan danda, located southward. Its catchment area is 34 sq km.
quarry near its bank has accelerated erosion of the surrounding land. The upstream water quality is very good (Maharjan 2006). Most of
the surrounding region is still used as agricultural field.
Sand mining is the predominant occupation here. It has increased
sediment load in the river. In 2007, sand extraction from the area A housing colony has diverted the Kodku Khola between Gwarko
was about 747.6 cu m (Sayami et al, 2007), and has concentrated and Hattiban (Pathak et al, 2007). In addition, Little Angel’s School
5km upstream from the confluence of the Sangla and Bishnumati and Guna Cinema have confined the river into a channel.
rivers. The river path is severely disturbed with lots of holes dug for
sand mining activities. Consequently, river beds have deepened Downstream from Harisiddhi bridge, the river is channelized and
from 1 to 5m from its original level. While sand mining has improved mixed with sewage. The BOD level of Kodku Khola (KAPRIMO, 2007)
the economic status of the workers, it has generated negative was 185 mg/l with COD level being 131.5 mg/l.
impacts on the environment, river ecosystem and agricultural land
(Sayami, 2007). The BOD level was 46.33 mg/l in Baniyatar. The above discussions reflected that the Bagmati river system has
seven major tributaries and five sub-tributaries within the
2.8.4. Mahadev Khola Kathmandu valley. Large streams which directly join the Bagmati
Mahadev khola also originates from Aale hill in the north-west. In river stretch from Sundarijal to Chovar is referred to as the major
the upstream, the river is in natural state. However, impacts of tributaries of Bagmati river in the valley. The Bagmati river system
urbanization can be felt downstream from Phutung. River water has been widely used for drinking, irrigation, industrial and other
is polluted at Padmasala and Jaraku of Kabreshthai VDC. purposes. The rivers in the valley also posses rich cultural and
Construction activities have degraded the river. Household sewage ethnic values. The general analysis of the river system clearly
is directly discharged to the river. Buildings away from the river indicated that at present, the river degradation is correlated with
have septic tanks constructed for sewer collection. The average population density and urbanization. Degradation of the river water
BOD level (KAPRIMO, 2007) at Manmaiju was 36.23 mg/l. quality and quantity is the major issues of the Bagmati river system.
All the rivers within the Kathmandu valley have more or less similar
River banks are protected by gabion walls. Riparian vegetation is issues of different intensity. Therefore the issues of the Bagmati
relatively sparse downstream resembling open drainage. River banks river system has been analysed in detail in the subsequent chapter.
Map 3: Village Development Committees and Municipalities of the Kathmandu Valley
© NTNC

13
14
Map 4: Land use map of the Kathmandu Valley
© Siddhartha/NTNC
3 KEY ISSUES OF BAGMATI RIVER
Many issues related to the Bagmati river have been identified and 3.4. Key challenges
analysed by previous studies and reports. The critical issues of the i. Integrating conventional planning with ecosystem
Bagmati river and its tributaries are primarily related to water management;
discharge, water quality, aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, river ii. Demand management, payment for services and
side land use, preservation of culture and heritage, and related incentives for conservation; and
institutional arrangements. Based on the ground truthing of these iii. Enforcement, coordination and stakeholder participation
issues during field observations, the following four primary issues
have been identified as critical for immediate restoration and 3.1. River ecosystem and waste water
conservation of the Bagmati river:
Decrease in water discharge
3.1. River ecosystem and waste water Decrease in water discharge exerts enormous impact in the overall
i. Decrease in water discharge; river ecosystem by damaging the habitat for aquatic life, exposing
ii. Degradation of river water quality; the river banks and channeling of the flow. Discharge record from
iii. Degradation of catchment quality; the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) for 1975-
iv. Narrowing and deepening of water way; and 1999 at Sundarijal station reveals decreasing trend of water
v. Depletion of aquatic biodiversity discharge (Fig. 3.1). While there are frequent high discharges at the
3.2. River side land use and socio-economic conditions time of flood in the Bagmati river, the overall trend is decreasing.
i. Changes in riverside land use; and
ii. Eroding aesthetic values The tapping of water for drinking and irrigation purposes from
3.3. Culture and heritage main sources of rivers is a root cause of decreasing water discharge.
i. Deteriorating culture and heritage; and Sundarijal, upstream Bagmati (Fig. 3.2), Bishnudwar of Bishnumati,
ii. Eroding cultural values and norms Sangla river, Chapagaun of Nallu river, Godavari river, Mahadev
16
Fig. 3.1. Average discharge at Sundarijal (m3/s) other potential projects for inter-basin transfer of water to increase
the flow in rivers of the Valley.
1.6
1.5
Initiatives have been undertaken by various government and non-
government organisations to recharge groundwater through
1.4
rainwater harvesting in the Valley such as the recharging of
1.3 Ranipokhari through rainwater harvesting. Similar initiatives should
be promoted and expanded at households and institutional levels.
1.2
Altogether, 34 ponds have been identified for rehabilitation and
1.1
there is also the possibility of promoting rainwater harvesting in
1 larger number of households in the Valley.
1975 - 1979 1980 - 1984 1985 - 1989 1990 - 1994 1995 - 1999
Degradation of river water quality

Increasing trend of BOD and decreasing trend of DO at different
Khola and Dudh Pokhari are major locations where huge volume of points in the rivers clearly indicate the degradation of water quality
water has been diverted daily for drinking and irrigation purposes. in the rivers. Degradation increases significantly as rivers enter the
There does not exist any guideline or policy related to river water core area of the city. Studies by Pradhan (1998) and ICIMOD (2007)
diversion and extraction. According to KMTNC (2004), about 30 have indicated that the river water in the majority of upstream
million litres of water is tapped everyday from rivers such as sources is still clean, while it is most polluted downstream within
Bagmati, Bishnumati and other small streams originating from the the core area of the city (Table 3.1).
Shivapuri hills. Water from rivers such as Manahara, Nakkhu and
Balkhu has been intensively utilised for agriculture, industries, On the basis of Saprobic method, the quality of water has been
tourism and recreational activities. classified into four classes (Box 3). River segments in highly
urbanized area such as Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Sub-
Rajkulo (royal canal), one of the oldest irrigation canal systems in Metropolitan City and surrounding VDCs have extremely poor quality
the Valley built to fill up historical ponds irrigate farmlands en of water. For less densely populated parts of the city and rural
route and provide water, is still serving a few settlements and their areas in the surrounding hills of the Valley and adjoining locations
agricultural areas in the southern part of the Valley. Local such as Budhanilkantha, Sundarijal, Sankhu and Godavari, poor
communities have reported that a large volume of water is sanitation, open defecation practice, disposing household solid
transported to city centres by tankers for drinking purposes from waste into the river banks, waste generated by tourists and
sources such as Godavari and Matatirtha. However, there are no
regulatory mechanisms and guidelines for managing the use of
these water resources. There is an urgent need to enforce the
provisions to regulate the Environment Flow Requirement (EFR) for
protecting water sources from haphazard water diversions.
There are potential water recharge areas and wetlands such as the
dhap in the Shivapuri National Park. There is also the possibility of
increasing groundwater recharging capacity by afforestation and
construction of low check dams in the sources of rivulets in the
Valley. However, such initiatives have not been explored by
concerned agencies.
Melamchi water supply project's plan of bringing water for drinking

into the Valley is a good initiative (Box 2). This project may help to
© Siddhartha/NTNC
increase water discharge in the Bagmati river. Agencies working

for environmental improvement of the Bagmati river should
generate pressure for completing this project as soon as possible.
At the moment, this has remained the prime responsibility of the
© NTNC
Ministry of Physical Planning and Works. The Government of Nepal,

together with other concerned agencies, should also start exploring in Shivapuri National Park.
17

Box 2: Melamchi Project
The Melamchi Water Supply Project aims to bring 170 MLD water
in Kathmandu for drinking and plans to expand up to 510 MLD.
About 70% of total water supplied will be collected as waste
water, which is about 115,000-120,000 m3 per day. The waste
water after treatment will have direct and indirect implications on
the water quality of the Bagmati river. Evaluation of water quality of
the river will be based on (i) the suitability of water for human
utilization, particularly for irrigation, bathing, operation of mills/micro-
© Siddhartha/NTNC
hydro power schemes; (ii) suitability of water for aquatic life,
particularly snow trout; (iii) importance of water (such as water
temperature) in maintaining the micro-ecology of the area; and
(iv) aesthetic and religious importance.
Source: MWSP (2000)
Direct discharge of waste water into the Bagmati river

picnikers, chemical fertilizers and pesticides used for farming, are
important pollutants of river water. About 33,699 households (7.6% Residents of Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts have become hesitant
of the total households) in the Kathmandu district, 13,244 households to use the river water for irrigation purposes due to its poor quality.
(19.2%) in the Lalitpur district and 4,005 households (9.7%) in the Although there exists sewage network to carry waste water, there
Bhaktapur district do not have toilet facilities (DWSS 2007). does not exist any system in the city for treatment before discharging
the waste into the river. A treatment plant at Guheshwori treats only
With rapid urbanization of formerly small settlements such as Satungal, the upstream waste water. Squatters along the banks at different
Thankot, Baniyatar, Manamaiju, Phutung and Jorpati, haphazard river segments discharge toilets directly into the river. Waste from
construction is taking its toll on the Bagmati river. Increasing growth of slaughter houses, mainly along segments of the Bishnumati river, is
industries, number of small industries such as poultry, piggery, concrete, discharged directly into river. Similarly, chemical wastes from
dying, saw mills, paper mills, etc. are very common in these areas. industries are also contributing to the river water pollution. Daily use
There is no any systematic sewage treatment system. A huge volume of water is 90MLD in dry season and 120 MLD in wet season. Of this,
of waste water generated from the households and industries is directly 70% is discharged as waste water (WMPA, 2000). This waste water
discharged into the rivers. Disposing municipal waste in the river banks is discharged without any treatment.
is also very common. Rampant use of river for washing clothes, utensils,
domestic animals, vehicles, vegetables; bathing and disposing remains Many initiatives have been undertaken in the past by different
after rituals have also contributed to degrading the water quality in government organisations to manage waste water in the Valley. Some
the city outskirts. of these initiatives were the establishment of Dhobighat Waste Water
Treatment Plant (WWTP), Sallaghari WWTP, Hanumante WWTP, Kodku
Dumping of solid waste and sewage discharge is more acute as the WWTP and Guheswori WWTP. However, the only Guheswori WWTP is
river moves towards the city core. Individual households as well as
VDCs and municipal authorities are responsible for these activities.
About 3000m3 of solid waste is estimated to have accumulated in Box 3: Bagmati water quality
the Bagmati river during dry season (WECS, 2008). More than 70%
Saprobic method describes the relationship between riverine
of the total municipal waste generated is organic. Industrial effluents
ecology and river water quality. The quality of the Bagmati river
and waste from hospital are also increasing the river pollution. water can be divided into four major classes ranging from best
(pristine) to worst: Saprobic Water Qualities (SWQ) Class I
(oligosaprobic—no to very slight pollution with a variety of species),
Table 3.1: Water quality parameters SWQ Class II (beta-mesosaprobic—moderate pollution rich in
individuals, biomass, and species’ number), SWQ Class III (alpha-
Parameters Sundarijal Khokana
mesosaprobic–heavy pollution with tolerant macroforms), and SWQ
TSS mg/l 5 70 Class IV (polysaprobic—extreme pollution with macro benthic life
Chloride mg/l 1 24 restricted to air-breathing animals). Three intermittent sub-classes
Ammonia mg/l 0.03 11 of these four major SWQ, viz. III, and II-III and III-IV can also be
BOD mg/l 1.3 65 identified. By doing so, the Bagmati river water shows a continuum
state of water quality in terms of macro-invertebrates. The
Coliform counts per 100 ml 1000 1,000,000
description of each water quality class is based on the abundance
DO mg/l 8.9 1.7
and diversity of macro-zoobenthos present.
ICIMOD, 2007
Source: MWSP (2000)
18
Table 3.2: Waste generation in five municipalities (tons/day) a successful example of waste water management. This is an
Municipality Generation Collection Projected generation appropriate system for agricultural areas. Settlements in rural areas
(2004) (2004) (2015) are appropriate for the promotion of onsite sanitation. More
promotion and awareness raising activities are required.
Kathmandu 308.4 250 547.9
Lalitpur 75.1 52 135.4
Bhaktapur 25.5 19 46.2 Household, community and municipal levels of management of organic
Madhyapur Thimi 14.3 5 27.8 waste have to be promoted in the Valley. For this, NGOs, local clubs,
Kirtipur 11.6 4 18.1 committees and communities have an important role. Management
Total 434.9 330 775.4 of organic waste at the local level reduces pressures on landfill sites
Sources: KVO, 2006 and also prevents river pollution. This can also be a source of income
for local organisations. Carbon financing under the Clean Development
operational now. Various studies have proposed different interventions Mechanism of Kyoto Protocol can be used to address solid waste
but so far none have been implemented. These recommended designs disposal in the Valley. Organisations working on waste management
are conventional centralized system for addressing waste water should explore and develop CDM projects. The opportunity for developing
management for urban area and require significant funds for their CDM projects to attract investment to improved waste management
construction and operation. This type of technology is appropriate for infrastructure for each significant (Barton et al 2008). The Solid Waste
densely populated areas, but is not appropriate for scattered Management and Resource Mobilisation Centre, responsible for waste
settlements. There is a new approach known as Decentralized Waste and landfill site management in five municipalities of the Kathmandu
Water Treatment System (DEWATS) appropriate for small settlements Valley, is planning to establish sanitary landfill site at Okharpauwa
located away from the core city area. DEWATS has been recently with the support of JICA in addition to the existing landfill site in Sisdol.
introduced in the Valley and so far only one small plant installed for
250 households in Thimi is operational. Failure in operating WWTPs as well as the inefficiency of the only
operating the Guheswori WWTP emphasises the need to develop
In the past, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City used to collect waste from more effective and efficient management of treatment plants.
septic tanks and treat it before discharging into the river. This approach Public-private partnership has been recognised as a viable approach
of faecal sludge management is not used any more now. Such system for efficient operation of these plants. Strong regulatory
has to be reinitiated in areas which may not be served by the existing mechanism, community awareness and resource mobilisation are
WWTP and where other options may not be immediately feasible. other important factors for future considerations.
Initiatives taken to promote ecological sanitation (ecosan) to Degradation of catchment quality

manage waste water in rural areas of Kathmandu Valley by different Maintaining and considering the catchment areas of the Bagmati river
government and non-government agencies since the last few years and its tributaries are highly important. Continuous deforestation and
have proved exemplary for on-site sanitation. Ecosan (implemented
in Khokana and Siddhipur by ENPHO; Tigni and Gamcha by CIUD), is
Box 4: Managing waste
water through DEWATS
DEWATS is another approach for managing waste water. Its main
objective is to manage waste water at the local level. Sunnga
WWTP (Reed bed technology) in Thimi is a good initiation of ENPHO/
UNHABITAT for DEWATS. This is an appropriate approach for
managing waste in the developing countries and it is cost-effective
(BORDA 1998). DEWATS is appropriate for areas where waste
water flows from 1-1000 m3 per day, i.e, for settlements with the
population of 10,000—20,000. There is an assumption that 50-
100 litre of waste water is generated per person per day. Many
areas in the Valley possess clustered settlements mainly in rural
and outskirts of the city core with population of 10,000-20,000.
Area can have multiple settlements and multiple DEWATS can be
© BAP Study Team
implemented to serve that area. This approach is good for reducing

volume of waste water before connecting main sewage line from
the institutes such as army barracks, schools, monasteries, etc.
that generate large amount of waste water and industries that
produce industrial effluents before connecting to main sewerage.
Requirement of land for treatment plant is a key factor for its
implementation.
19

land conversion to agriculture have seriously degraded catchment the river bed in the Valley. Extraction of sand from the river in 2007
quality of the Bagmati river system. Rapid and unplanned urbanization, alone was estimated about 3103m3 or 60% of the total annual
high demand for forest products, land conversion to agriculture, demand of the Valley (Sayami 2007.). Previous studies have revealed
unregulated and illegal quarries , animal grazing etc are some of the that the sand extraction rate is much higher than natural deposition
key reasons. However, a study has shown that forest area has rate in these areas (IUCN, 1995). Such mining activities may also
significantly improved within the Shivapuri National Park (KARNA lead to erosion of banks and scouring of the river beds. Consequent
2008). Improvement in forest cover in the Bagmati Watershed and lowering of the river bed has left piers of the bridges exposed at
Sundarijal sub-catchment has led to a more steady flow of water many locations. Several bridges and cultural heritage sites like
downstream (KARNA 2008). However, except ShNP, other catchments ghats on the river banks are at high risk due to this factor. Black
and sub-catchments areas are not under protected status. clay layer, below the sand bed, were seen exposed in most of the
river beds (one to three metre depth) during field survey.
It was observed during field surveys that forest areas have been
converted to agriculture land and grazing areas in the boundaries Narrowing and deepening of water way is a critical issue to the
of ShNP, Sangla and Manahara catchment areas. In general, that rivers flowing north of the Valley. From the foothills to adjoining area
catchment quality is slowly degrading except within ShNP. of the city core sand mining activities have escalated. Sudden changes
Degradation of these catchment areas will increase potentially in river gradient have resulted in the deposition of high volume of
damaging peak flows and reducing base flows required for a more sediments from upstream to downstream areas. Construction of
steady flow of water downstream. Maintaining and conserving the infrastructures like gabion walls and check dams to channelize the
catchment areas are important in the scenario that increase in river water and roads to serve urbanizing areas, are other causes of
good forest cover will increase the portion of water that is retained deepening of the water way in many downstream areas.
within the watershed during the rainy season. There are 374
community forests with a total area of 16,359 hectares in The problems of narrowing and deepening of the water way also
Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Therefore, there is an exist in the city core. Originally, Bagmati and other rivers in the
oppurtunity to mobilize the community forest user groups to urban stretch were braided and it flowed over gravel and sand bed.
effectively manage the forest of the catchment areas. Now, the river is confined to a single deep channel. The river bed
between Teku and Thapathali is currently about 2.5 meters lower
Narrowing and deepening of water way than the old bed and this has adversely affected foundations of
Deepening of the river channel increases the flow velocity of the ghats and other structures. The recent collapse of a bridge in the
river that damages the infrastructure (bridges) and settlements along Bagmati river at Sinamangal is believed to be due to excessive
the river side. Lowering of water level in streams initiates sand extraction. Structures to protect private land, schools, squatter
groundwater discharge into the rivers thus lowering groundwater settlements and roads constructed along the river banks in the
table in the vicinity. core urban areas are other reasons for river channelling.
Unplanned construction of gabion structures along the bank, The collapse of bridge in Thapathali in 1991 was attributed to heavy
encroachment of river banks and extraction of huge volume of sand sand extraction from the river bed. Since then, the government has
from the river bed are major causes of narrowing and deepening of completely banned extraction of sand from the river bed but illegal
sand mining still goes on (Saudaula, 1993 ). Sand mining activities
also cause changes in river courses which generally lead to disputes
over land ownership (BBWMSIP, 1994).
Strong law enforcement and awareness campaigns are required to

control sand mining. Active participation of local residents, clubs, etc.
along the river sides will be essential. Restoration of river bed, mainly
the sand bed, is needed for natural purification and enhancing river flow.
Depletion of aquatic biodiversity

© Siddhartha/NTNC
Aquatic flora and fauna species such as benthic, macro and micro
invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles and birds are indicators of
water pollution. They can be used to determine the river water quality
(ICIMOD, 2007). The reduction in aquatic biodiversity results in increasing
A landscape view of Shivapuri National Park. imbalance of ecosystem and the extinction of valuable species.
20
3.2. River side land use and socio-

Different studies show that there has been significant decrease in

aquatic biodiversity due to highly polluted water especially along economic conditions
the urban core area. The trend of decreasing aquatic biodiversity
increases as river flows down towards the urban core. Varieties Changes in river side land use patterns
of clean river water species prevail in the headwater region but River side lands are very important for maintaining river ecosystem
only a few tolerant species dominate in the highly-polluted city as well the aesthetic value of rivers and their surroundings. Healthy
core area because of organic waste (Pradhan 1998). A fish survey river ecosystem should have good riparian vegetation.
in 1980 recorded 23 species (Shrestha, 1980) whereas only 11
species were recorded by a survey in 1994 (BBWMSIP, 1994). Rivers and streams in the National Park and forests upstream still
have good riparian vegetation, whereas riparian land along the
Freshwater fish species such as Asala (Schizothorax sp.) seen during foothills has already been converted into agriculture. As river flows
field survey in different rivers and streams in surrounding hills and down towards the city core, riparian lands have been converted to
rural areas indicate the probability of existing good aquatic biodiversity. other socio-economic use and infrastructure.
Rivers before approaching urban city still have some species of fish
such as hile, but none are evident after the rivers approach the city. Some areas further away from urban core are being temporarily
Visits of migratory birds and the presence of some residential birds used for the collection of construction materials, dyeing and cleaning
such as Kingfisher, Cattle Egrets, Pond Herons, Siberian Ducks, etc. in materials for cottage industries and small workshops. The condition
downstream areas after Chobhar indicate the presence of some aquatic of river side land gets worse as river approaches downstream.
life. A bird survey conducted by Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) in the Many river sides have been encroached permanently for private
stretch from Chobhar gorge to the confluence of Bosan Khola recorded residence, schools, offices, business complex, squatter settlements,
29 species of birds within three hours (Annex V). A community public toilets, new temples and road construction. Bishnumati link
consultation in a settlement near the Kautwal daha revealed that road (Paropakar— Gongabu Bus Park), Dhobikhola Link Road,
Danuwar ethnic group, whose major occupation was fishing, has Bagmati Link Road are some of the examples of encroachment of
migrated to other location due to extinction of fish species in the river. river side land for road construction.
Vegetation along the riparian area has to be enhanced. It contributes Eroding aesthetic values
to increasing biodiversity. Eco-friendly measures should be Aesthetic values of river and its surroundings have great
promoted to protect river banks from erosion which also helps in importance. It could be a popular destination for the national
protecting biodiversity. In several segments of the river such as and international tourists. However, the aesthetic value of rivers
construction of dam at Gokarna and the weir under the bridge of and its surroundings is eroding rapidly due to changes in riverside
Thapathali, are unfriendly for aquatic animals. land use. In the hills and foothills surrounding the Valley, the
aesthetic values of the river is still fairly high. It starts
Community-based awareness campaign for the protection of decreasing as the rivers flow towards the city core. Loss of
Bagmati’s biological diversity is absolutely mandatory. Promoting riparian vegetation, improper management of ritual and
ecotourism, eco clubs in schools and seeking volunteers for cremation waste, hoarding boards along the river sides, solid
maintaining the biodiversity in the rivers should be encouraged. waste dumping, squatter settlements etc. are some factors
behind the decreasing aesthetic value of rivers and their
surrounding areas in the Kathmandu Valley.
Natural vegetation and trees can still be seen along the downstream
Chobhar gorge. However, these areas have also been highly polluted
by the municipal waste disposed upstream. Floating solid waste
and foul smell of polluted river water have significantly decreased
the aesthetic value of the river and its surroundings. Unmanaged
© Sarbendra Pachhai
cremation waste disposed along the Jal Binayak Ghat is also

contributing to the pollution. Landscaping and plantation has to be
initiated in all parts of the river segments by mobilising local
communities along the river.
Common hoopoe
21

Eroding cultural values and norms
The Kathmandu Valley highly rich in culture and heritage. The
Bagmati river has been an important part of this culture and
heritage. However, the rich cultural and heritage along the Bagmati
river is considered to be an auspicious act but this has become
impossible due to ever increasing polluiton level of water.
Urbanization and the pervading influence of other culture and
gradually eroding our cultural values. The tradition of maintaining
© BAP Study Team
and keeping clean premises around ‘ghats’ and temples through

social system such as ‘guthi’ have slowly eroded. Moreover, the
tradition norm of respecting the rivers is slowly disappearing. That
led to wide misuse of the rivers for different purpose including
solid waste dumping, sand mining etc. The cost of lost cultures is
Ground water being generated to quench urban thirst.
far outweighed by the benefit of enhanced welfare and prosperity.
For many people, their cultural values are their roots, without which
3.3. Culture and heritage their souls, hearts and mind would lose meaning and any process
that uproots such values cannot be considered ‘creative’. Therefore,
Deteriorating cultural and heritage sites in order to effectively restore and conserve the Bagmati river, the
Rivers in the valley also have high cultural and heritage value. unique culture must be preserved by raising awareness at the
Almost all major rivers have some important heritage sites. Many local, national and international levels.
important culture and heritage sites such as Gokarna, Pashupati,
Sankhamul, Teku Dovan, Shobha Bhagwati, etc. are located along 3.4. Key challenges
the river banks. Until 1960, ghats, sattals, temples, shrines and
other related monuments and structures were in relatively good Sustainable management of the Bagmati river and its tributaries
conditions. Uncontrolled pollution and environmental hazards have within the Kathmandu Valley depends on the ability to
destroyed the river, which has also severely affected the monuments simultaneously and effectively address the issues of:
and structures (RGKV, 1995). The traditional management system
such as guthi has also eroded over the time. (i) Integrating ecosystem management with conventional urban
and rural land use planning and zoning;
The number of important cultural and heritage sites is higher in the (ii ) Implementing demand management for ecosystem services
city centre as compared to its outskirts. Unplanned urbanization and ensuring that appropriate payments are made; and
and unregulated industrial growth have damaged the cultural (iii) Enforcing laws, regulation and guidelines at various levels by
resources and have destroyed the aesthetic value of the monuments the governments.
(IUCN, 1995). Most of the important heritage sites along the rivers
are facing the risk of complete collapse. Integrating conventional planning with
ecosystem management
Some of the major sites located outside city area are Shivadev The past history of the Bagmati river management is a story of
Basaha and Buddha sculpture, Taglung in Budanilkantha, Ghats failure of concerned organisation to effectively tackle the problems.
in Sundarijal area, Tokha Chandeswori, temples, sattals and Today, many of the problems appear almost insurmountable and
ghats near Gokarneswor Mahadev, Changunarayan Temple, consequently might also require strong, across the board corrective
Sankha Daha south of Changunarayan, Mahalaxmi Temple at measures. Caught amidst a plethora of organizations chasing too
Balambu, Bishnudevi Temple at Tinthana, JalBinayak Ganesh many priorities with too little resources, the Bagmati lacked
at Chobhar, and ghats at Sundarighat. The condition of heritage ownership at every level.
sites inside the city area is at high risks compared to the
monuments outside the core area. Major sites under risks Ecosystem management seeks the restoration of all the living
include Bombir Bikateswar at Teku, Ping Dyo at Kirtipur, Bishnu and non living organisms as well as their interactions. A river
Vikranta sculpture at Tilganga, Bhim Mukteswar at Kalimati, and its tributaries are unique ecosystems, providing different
sattal of Laxmiswar Temple, Purneswar Temple, statue of types of valuable ecosystem services. Some of these services
Bishnu at Tripureswar, pati of Dallu bridge and Shobha may have markets while many may be considered free. Bagmati
Bhagwati. IUCN (1995) has also indicated that many patis have river’s water used to be a free resource and in many upstream
been encroached for shelter (see Annex VII). areas it may still be relatively free. However, for many people
22
This neglect of the demand side has overlooked options for

more efficient use of water through control of losses, more
effective use of water charges, harnessing in situ solutions such
as rain water and promoting more decentralized management
systems. Least cost to water utility and the customer as well as
appropriate payments for the use of water has become critical
in the context of demand management.
Payment for the environmental services could provide incentives

to local commumity to protect and manage the natural resources.
Few recent studies have established the feasibility of piloting PES
© BAP Study Team
as an innovative conservation financing tools in the catchment

areas which supplies substantial amount of water to the Kathmandu
valley for domestic purpose, hydro power and irrigation to agriculture
(KARN 2008). Without this incentive, simple regulation and policing
will not succeed in conservation.
in the urban area water has to be either bought or what is free Enforcement, coordination and stakeholder
is so polluted that it cannot be used. participation
Institutional failures have been widespread behind the sad story of
Restoring the health of the ecosystem is both a scientific as well as deterioration of the Bagmati river. Overlapping jurisdictions, lack of
social judgment. Social issues are evident in the demand for the congruence between planned activities and their budgets, and political
ecosystem services as well as in their management. Natural unwillingness to enforce key decisions have been outstanding
features do not submit easily for management along political institutional problems that have been left unresolved over the years.
boundaries, requiring different layers as well as different
organizations to support each other. Bioregional perspective is On a positive side, there has been a pro Bagmati Supreme Court
necessary for managing ecosystems by carefully understanding that has been pushing the government to come up with the
the different flows of resources and services. Inter-disciplinary necessary action and institutional structure. There are also several
issues need careful evaluation and consideration from different NGOs that have lent their enormous enthusiasm in raising
scientific and social groups so as to arrive at solutions that are awareness and supporting partial cleaning of Bagmati.
scientifically valid and socio economically acceptable.
Apart from these, there are the municipalities, structure of the
The Bagmati and its tributaries winds through a maze of rural and urban local government, various line agencies of the central government
zones, providing a rich variety of ecosystem services for the people. Its that have legal roles. In the past, there have been many duplication,
rich cultural heritage as well as biodiversity resources, although heavily wastages, abandoned projects simply because of inadequate
degraded at present offers encouraging potentials for the future if it is coordination between different interest groups.
carefully managed. The guiding principle for sustainable management
for the future is to have a sound plan that has a strong ownership for A major gap has been lack of an organization that have overall
implementation by all the stakeholders concerned. management responsibility for restoration and conservation of the
Bagamati river. The organization role is to plan, manage, regulate
Demand management, payment for services and monitor all the activities. Actual implementation of activities
and incentives for conservation should be encouraged to implement through other stake holders
Planning and management must be based on realistic assumptions such as municipalities, other local governmental organizations,
if the plan is to be successfully owned and implemented. Gone are academic institutions, NGOs and local communities. There is and
the days of mega-projects that are management nightmares, with opportunity to strengthen and legally empower HPCIDBC to fill the
budget overruns and a perpetual burden on the society. This is also present gap. HPCIDBC could act as a key organization with overall
true for the Bagmati where efforts to find solutions in terms of management authority. However, the present institutional set of as
new water projects are already facing severe problems. well as capacity of the organization needs a major reform. The role
of the coordinating agency would be to facilitate enforcement of
First issue is demand management. The massive increase in laws and guidelines, build capacity at the local level for decentralized
urban population has increased the supply and demand gap in and participatory implementation, organize research and monitoring
water supply. In the past, the approach taken has been to focus activities and time and again bring all the stakeholders together to
more on the supply side without managing the demand side. review the outcomes and formulate new strategies.
© Siddhartha/NTNC
4 ZONING OF THE KATHMANDU VALLEY
RIVER SYSTEM
Different management interventions for the restoration of the Class I: Non-polluted;
Bagmati river has been identified. As the issues are complex, Class II: Moderately polluted;
improvement of the river ecosystem is very challenging. Hence, a Class III: Heavily polluted; and
strategic and systematic approach is essential to develop and Class IV: Extremely polluted.
implement the Bagmati Action Plan.
It is clearly visible that the river water quality in the Shivapuri National
The data and information analysed in previous chapters reveal that all Park and its surrounding hills is still in good condition and gradually
issues do not have equal level of importance in all river segments. An deteriorates as it flows towards the urban area. The water quality
issue which is critical for upstream may not be critical for downstream. worsens mainly in central part of the Valley. The categorization of
The water discharge and terrestrial biodiversity are very important river as safe, unsafe and extremely unsafe (IUCN 1995) also indicates
issues for the conservation of the surrounding hills. Narrowing and that the river of the central part of the Valley is extremely unsafe.
deepening of river channels is a major issue in rural areas and the city
outskirts where intensive sand extraction exist. The quality of river The cross analysis of population density and the river water quality indicates
water due to haphazard sewage connection and dumping of solid there is an inverse relationship between river water quality and population
waste along the river banks is the major issue for rivers at the urban density. The upper stream of the Bagmati river, i.e. Shivapuri National
core. However, water pollution at the downstream is the result of Park and its surrounding hills are in good condition where the population
the lack of environmental-friendly activities in the upstream density is the lowest. As the river flows downstream, water quality worsens
settlements. with the increase of population density.
Thus, the river ecosystem of the Valley can be observed in various In order to address these issues at micro level according to their
situations at different areas. As mentioned earlier, the Bagmati relative importance, the rivers of the Kathmandu Valley have been
river has been classified into four standard water quality classes classified into five zones (Map 6) on the basis of the existing status
based on the Saprobic approach (Pradhan, 2005). These are: of the water quality in river segments and the population density of
24
the area. With high population density, it becomes difficult to restore Major issues of this zone to be addressed in the action plan are:
the river ecosystem. Consequently, zonation of the rivers will help
in developing and implementing effective action plan at the zone decreasing river water discharge due to river diversion for
level. Maps 6, 7 and 8 present zone-wise situation of the rivers in drinking and irrigation purposes; tanker service for commercial
the Kathmandu Valley. benefits of VDCs and local settlements
narrowing and deepening of water way due to excessive sand
1. Natural Conservation Core Zone mining; construction of structures such as gabion walls, check
dams, etc. for the protection of land and road construction
Zone 1 is the natural conservation core zone (323 sq km, i.e. degrading water quality and aquatic biodiversity due to loss of
45.1% of targeted area) consisting of green hills surrounding riparian vegetation; untreated sewage disposal from households
the Valley such as Phulchowki (2,800m), Shivapuri (2,453m), and industrial effluents; dumping of waste, chemical fertilizers
Chandragiri (2,365m) and Nagarjun (2,100m). The Shivapuri and pesticides
National Park (144 sq km) lies in this zone on the northern changes in river side land use for agriculture; dyeing and cleaning
fringe of the Valley and Shivapuri watershed is the recharge materials for cottage industries; workshops; road construction
zone of the Bagmati river as well as of the ground water of the Eroding aesthetic values due to loss of riparian vegetation;
Valley. The origin of the Bagmati river and its tributaries: improper management of ritual and cremation waste;
Bishnumati, Manahara, Dhobikhola, Balkhu and Nakkhu are commercial hoarding boards; solid waste dumped along the
located in this zone. Wetlands with high recharging potentiality river banks; waste blocked by weirs in the river, etc.
are located in this zone. The population density is very low and deteriorating culture and heritage due to replacement of original
hence the river water quality is in natural condition. Majority of architecture; encroachment; alteration of use; and lack of
the river segments in this zone has Class I level of water quality. responsiveness from concerned authorities
Major issues of this zone to be addressed in the action plan are: 3. Peri-urban Zone
decreasing water discharge due to intensive water diversion Zone 3 is the peri-urban area of the Valley (113 sq km, i.e. 15.8% of
degrading terrestrial biodiversity due to increasing settlements; total targeted area), and is located between rural and core urban
trend of converting forest area into agricultural land; felling of city of the Kathmandu Valley. Many urbanizing VDCs are located in
trees and other forest resources for fuel wood, building this zone. Population density here is comparatively higher than
construction and other commercial activities; new constructions Zone 2 and lesser than Zone 4. The river ecosystem is in Class III
like monasteries, roads and other infrastructures; animal hunting (critically polluted) category. Restoration of river to Class I is
and use of pesticides for farming, etc. challenging in this zone. However, enhancement of the river
degrading water quality due to poor sanitation and unmanaged ecosystem to Class II can be achieved. Some important cultural
waste generated by households, tourists, picnickers and other and heritage sites and temples such as Asoka Chaitya, Mahalaxmi
recreational activities; use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides , Bishnudevi , Bajrabarahi, Karyabinayak and Harisiddhi temples
for farming; use of river household purposes are located in this zone.
deteriorating culture and heritage due to new construction;
encroachment; use alteration, etc. Major issues of this zone to be addressed in the action plan are:
2. Rural Zone decreasing water discharge due to excessive diversion of water

for drinking and irrigation
The bordering area of Zone 1 is classified as Zone 2 or Rural Zone narrowing and deepening of water way due to excessive sand
(150 sq km, i.e. 21% of targeted area). The Bagmati river and its mining; channeling of river by construction of walls and check
tributaries flow through this zone. Population density in this zone is dams for the protection of land and buildings
higher than Zone 1. It is still being dominated by agricultural land. depleting aquatic biodiversity due to loss of riparian vegetation;
River segments are moderately polluted in this area (Class II) and increasing connection of untreated sewage directly from
can be restored into Class I with minimum effort. River meanderings households; unmanaged animal waste from piggery farms and
have taken place in this zone. Many important shrines and temples buffalo wholesale markets such as Ranga Bazar in Satungal;
such as Changunarayan, Gokarneshwar Mahadev (also known as solid waste dumped by municipalities, industries and
Uttar Gaya), Budhanilkantha, Ichangunarayan, Machhenarayan, households; open defecation along the river banks and storm
Bishankhunarayan, Kageshwori, Neelbarahi, Matatirtha, Tokha water drainage; backflow from agricultural land affected by
Chandeswori and Indrayani are located in this zone. chemical fertilizers and pesticides; vehicle washing, etc.
25

Fig. 4.1: Visitor’s trend in Shivapuri National Park segments; leachate produced by huge volume of solid waste
dumped by municipalities and private organisations along the
river banks; waste deposited along the river banks by slaughter
houses; direct disposal of chemical waste produced by dyeing
and washing industries; direct discharge of sewage into the
river by squatter settlements; vehicle washing, etc.
change in river side land use from agricultural and natural
vegetation into residential and commercial use such as animal
farming, agriculture; public and private institutions; river side
road construction; temporary sites for collecting construction
materials, dyeing and cleaning materials used for small cottage
industries. Huge area of land is encroached and used by
squatters in several parts of the river segments in this zone
changes in river side land use from agricultural to residential Eroding aesthetic values due to loss of riparian vegetation;
and commercial use such as private institutions, animal farming, filthy and unhealthy environment of the river surroundings by
schools; road construction, temporary sites for collecting squatter settlements; waste produced by rituals and cremation;
construction materials, etc. construction of public toilets; slaughtering of animals along the
Eroding aesthetic values due to loss of riparian vegetation; river banks
commercial hoarding boards; solid waste dumped along the deteriorating culture and heritage; lack of conservation because
river banks; floating and blocking of waste by weirs in the river, of unclarity in management authorities; encroachment;
etc. alteration of use and alteration of architecture
deteriorating culture and heritage mainly due encroachments
and alteration of use 5. Downstream Zone
4. Urban Zone Zone 5 is situated in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley from
Sundarighat to Katuwal daha. This zone is mainly dominated by
Zone 4 is the highly urbanized zone consisting of five municipalities agricultural land with low population density. The Bagmati river drains
of the Valley—Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Madhyapur Thimi out of the Valley through this zone. Despite low population density in
and Kirtipur. The rate of urbanization is very high and thus a very this zone, water quality in the river segment is extremely polluted.
few natural vegetation exists. Almost all major tributaries pass Environmental situation of river in this zone is mainly dependent on
through this zone and the confluences of the tributaries are located the environmental status of the upstream river rather than factors
in the central part of the zone. Water quality of the river is worst linked to the zone itself. The existing level of BOD (88.83 mg/l) at
with Class IV (extremely polluted) category. The river portrays its Khokana and the foul smell experienced at Katuwal daha, similar to
completely deteriorated condition of river ecosystem. The that of Thapathali crossing calls for immediate attention to restore the
restoration of the river segments in this zone is very challenging. Bagmati river to its original grandeur. Enhancement of the upstream
Restoration can be done at different stages from Class IV to Class III river ecosystem helps in enhancing the river ecosystem in this zone.
at the initial stage followed by Class III to Class II. This zone is the Some historical and heritage sites such as Taudaha, Jalbinayak,
origin of the civilization of the Kathmandu Valley with human Karyabinayak, Anandaghat and Sundarighat are located in this zone.
settlements mainly dominated by the Newar community. Major
historical places, cultural and heritage sites (ghats, tirtha, piths), Major issues of this zone to be addressed in the action plan are:
temples and stupas (Swoyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath and
Pashupatinath) are located in this zone. depleting water quality and aquatic biodiversity due to highly
polluted water from the upstream zone
Major issues of this zone to be addressed in the action plan are: Eroding aesthetic values due to floating solid waste; floating
foams produced by chemical wastes and foul smell of the
narrowing and deepening of water way due to structures to polluted water
protect land and infrastructure along the river banks; high deteriorating culture and heritage along the river banks
encroachment of land by private as well as illegal settlements
such as squatters; excessive sand mining in the upstream zone (Refer to Annex VIII for details about physical features, human
degradation of water quality and aquatic biodiversity due to settlements, land use pattern, important culture and heritage sites
direct discharge of huge volume of untreated sewage into river and names of VDCs/municipalities located in different zones).
26
Map 5: Catchment areas of the major rivers in Kathmandu Valley
Map 6: Zonation of the Kathmandu Valley

27
28
Map 7: River water quality and population density in different zones
Map 8: Water quality in different zones

29
30
Map 9: Waste water treatment system and population density
© Siddhartha/NTNC
5 LEGISLATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
Legislative arrangements are one of the key success factors for body for killing aquatic life. Study on the effects of
efficient and successful implementation of the programmes and development projects on fishery resources and
policies. Improving river ecosystems, especially in rapidly urbanizing implementation of mitigative measures has been made
centre such as the Kathmanudu Valley, must have very strong mandatory under this regulation including regulating
legislative arrangements. There are several useful acts which could fishing gears, size of the fish and season of fishing.
help in halting environmental degradation of the rivers in the Valley, 5.1.3. Building Act (1998): The Building Act is formulated to
if they are implemented effectively. These acts include issues form standards regarding the construction of buildings
related to land use, building codes, waste management, within the Kathmandu Valley and the municipalities. It is
conservation and protection of natural resources and cultural mainly related with structural, electrical, sanitary and
heritage. Some important acts identified during the process of plumbing design requirements. It also focused on the safety
developing the Action Plan are presented below: of occupant building during earthquake, fire and other
natural disasters.
5.1. Acts and policies 5.1.4. Environment Protection Act (1996): This Act mainly
focuses on the protection of environment with proper use
5.1.1. Ancient Monuments Protection Act (1992): This Act and management of natural resources, taking into
defines the "Ancient Monument" as Devalaya, Shivalaya, consideration that sustainable development could be
Math (religious houses), Gumba, etc. The Act defines rights achieved from the inseparable inter-relationship between
and duties of the government to make proper the economic development and environment protection.
arrangements for their protection by preventing any It also relates with legal provisions in order to maintain
misappropriation and misuse of such historically and clean and healthy environment by minimizing, as far as
archaeologically important places. possible, adverse impacts likely to be caused from
5.1.2. Aquatic Animal Protection Act (1961): This Act prohibits environmental degradation on human beings, wildlife,
the use of explosive and poisonous substances in any water plants and physical objects.
32
5.1.5. Forest Act (1993): This act has been enacted to conserve establishment of an industry, which is deemed as likely to
and develop forest and properly utilise forest products. have an adverse impacts on the environment.
Policies regarding conservation, development and
extension of private forests by managing national forests 5.1. 12. National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (1973):
5.1.12.
in the form of government managed forest, protected This act is responsible for the management, protection and
forest, community forest, leasehold forest and religious development of the national parks, wildlife reserves,
forest are related with this act. Preparation of action plan conservation areas, hunting reserve and buffer zones. It
for the management and development of forest and provides for the conservation of protected areas and wildlife
handing over of forest to user groups or communities for and regulates the consumptive and non-consumptive use
the conservation, development, use and sale of forest of biodiversity to sustain the welfare of the people.
products is also emphasized by this act. The act empowers the government to develop site-specific
5.1.6. Guthi Sansthan Act (1977): The right to protect and and general regulatory mechanisms for their conservation,
maintain ancient monuments and heritage is governed by and provides special protection to 38 endangered species
this act. It also authorizes Guthi Sansthan to administer (26 species of mammals, 9 species of birds and 3 species
and maintain records of guthi land for the proper utilisation of reptiles). The act has duly incorporated the concept of
of guthi's property such as land and buildings. Under this buffer zones and to facilitate public participation in the
act, it needs to exercise authority in coordination with the conservation, design and management of these zones.
Department of the Land Revenue and Land Reforms This act is supplemented by several other acts such as the
5.1. 7. Land Act (1964): This act (related to ownership and
5.1.7. Aquatic Animal Protection Act (1961), Forest Act (1992) and
tenancy), was enacted to implement land reform Soil and Watershed Conservation Act (1982). International
programmes of the government. This act focuses on conventions like the Convention on International Trade in
removing stagnant property and population pressure and Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the
use it in other areas of economy so as to contribute to the Ramsar Convention for Wetlands Conservation and the World
economic development of the country. The act also Heritage Convention further strengthens biodiversity
emphasises to raise the living standards of land dependent conservation efforts in Nepal.
farmers through proper distribution of agricultural land and 5.1.13. National Trust for Nature Conservation Act (1983):
easy accessibility of related knowledge and equipments. Under this Act, the government has established the National
5.1.8. Land Acquisition Act (1977): This Act has been developed Trust for Nature Conservation. The NTNC is mandated as
to amend and harmonize the law of land acquisition. Laws an autonomous and non-profit organisation to work in the
related with substitution and acquiring land by giving them field of nature conservation. It has been managing two
compensation or for temporary use (return to owners after conservation area- Annapurna and Manaslu. The Act is
stipulated time) fall in this act. This act is empowered not supported by NTNC regulation 1984. This act provides to
only to acquire land but also building and forest, if necessary. conserve, promote and manage natural resources;
5.1.9. Land Revenue Act (1977): This act aims to increase undertake the development of national parks, wildlife
land revenue by land registration and management of reserves and carry out scientific studies and research on
overall lands including government, public and others. natural resources.
5.1.10. Local Self-Governance Act (1999): The act gives more 5.1. 14. Pashupati Area Development Trust Act (1987): This act
5.1.14.
autonomy for the development of local bodies by providing particularly focuses on the development and conservation
responsibility and power at the local level to formulate of the Pashupati area. Pashupati Area Development Fund is
and carry out plans. The Village Development Committees formed under this act to manage, maintain and preserve
(VDCS), District Development Committees (DDCs) and the the natural and cultural heritage in the Pashupati area and
municipalities enjoy discretionary rights to formulate plans prohibit the registration of land within the area to any person
and policies for their sustainable development. The DDCs or organisation.
formulate, implement, operate, distribute and maintain 5.1.15. Pesticide Act (1992): The act has the provision of
projects. Municipalities prepare annual budgets, plans and appointing inspectors. It mainly focuses on the registration
programmes on urban planning, environment, sanitation of chemical pesticides and also guides to give the
and others. prerequisites regarding import, export, production and
5.1.11. Industrial Enterprises Act (1993): This act has been consumption of pesticides for which the government
promulgated to give due consideration to environmental approval is compulsory.
and pollution problems. It empowers the Ministry of 5.1.16. Plant Protection Act (1973): This act aims to protect
Industries and Supplies to withhold permission for the plants and plant products from entry, stay and spread of
33

harmful organisms during their import, export and It also makes provisions for re-survey and revision of
transportation. It is also related with the formation of previously documented data.
legal framework to enhance the trade of plant and plant 5.1.21. Town De Dev velopmen
elopmentt Act (1988): The act provides legal
product. Establishment of National Plant Protection basis for implementing land reforms. It clearly states
Organisation, appointment of the quarantine inspectors, procedures and conditions to secure land owner's agreement,
roles, duties and authorities of the inspector are some of government approval and project implementation. It
the salient features of the Act . emphasises on the mandatory procedures that need to be
5.1.17. Privatization Act (1994): The act has been formed to followed during the preparation and implementation land
increase the productivity through the enhancement of reforms. Under it, the Land Management Sub-Committee
efficiency of the status owned enterprise of the government (LMSC) has been formed which represents local land owners,
to mitigate the financial administrative burden and to various government line agencies, CBOs and local NGOs.
conduct economic development of the country by 5.1. 22.
5.1.22. Water Resources Act (1993): This act defines water
broadening the participation of private sector in the resources as the water that is available in Nepal in the form
operation of private company. This regulation also of surface water, ground water or in whatsoever form. It
recommends the programmes and priorities of prohibits other acts that may pollute water resources and
privatization to the government. maintain that the utilisation of resources should be made
5.1.18. Soil and Watershed Conservation Act (1982): This act without causing any considerable damage to the
prioritises to develop, protect and demarcate watershed environment through soil erosion, floods, landslides or other
areas and to control natural disasters like floods, debris natural disasters. It also prioritises water resources according
flow and landslide. Protection of land productivity by to its utility such as drinking water, domestic use, irrigation,
developing land use system (Bhu Upayogita Pranili) and animal husbandry, hydroelectricity, etc. Setting of water
to form national resource protection system and district quality standards and provision of license to use water
soil and watershed committee fall under this act. resources is governed by this act.
5.1.19. Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilisation 5.1.23. National Sanitation Policy (1994): The policy focuses
Act (1987): The act primarily focuses on Kathmandu, on safeguarding water supplies and environmental
Bhaktapur and Lalitpur municipalities. It authorises to sanitation for the protection of environment. It aims at
undertake action to control haphazard waste disposal and to creating awareness and imparting knowledge on sanitation
collect service fee. Likewise, the act has provisions to take and hygiene among all levels of community focusing on
various punitive measures against those engaged in activities womens’ group and children to bring attitudinal and
detrimental to the intentions of the act. It lays the foundation behavioural changes within the community. The overall
to formulate policies for the implementation of the plan objective is framed in terms of the sanitation coverage to
regarding solid waste management and mobilise resources, be achieved and the institutional arrangements for
provide necessary training, technical advice and publicity, implementing the same.
and to arrange space for the disposal of solid waste. 5.1.24. National Wetlands Policy (2003): The National Wetlands
5.1.20. Land Survey and Measurement Act (1962): The act Policy aims at conserving and managing wetlands with
aims to carry out cadastral survey of Nepal to determine local participation. The policy supports to formulate
land types and to keep records of land owners. This act has wetland management plans and other legal and
been amended to incorporate provisions for other types administrative arrangements for the representation of local
survey like topographical, geodetic and leveling surveys. people and organisations in the management committee.
5.2. Strategies and plans Integrated Water Resource Management(IWRM) as well as

management of water resources at the river basin level.
5.2.1. National Water Resources Strategy (2002): The 5.2.2. National Water Plan (2005): The National Water Plan
National Water Resources Strategy of Nepal was formulated of Nepal has been prepared to operationalize the Water
to guide water sector activities towards sustainability of the Resources Strategy. It includes programmes in all
resource, while providing economic growth through water strategically identified outputs so that all these
resources development, hazard mitigation, environment programmes in consonance with each other , will contribute
protection and minimization of water use conflicts (WECS, to maximizing the sustainable benefits of water use( WECS,
2002). The strategy has identified ten strategic outputs which 2005). The Plan has set targets in irrigation, drinking water,
are categorized into water security, water use and institutional hydropower, fisheries development, water- tourism and
mechanisms. The Strategy is based on the concept of water-industry for the years 2007, 2017 and 2027.
34
Box 5: Lessons from Ganga Action Plan

The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was a programme launched by the Government of India in April 1985 in order to reduce the pollution load on
the river Ganga. The programme was launched with much fanfare, but it failed to decrease the pollution level in the river, after spending over
2,000 crore rupees over a period of 15 years. Ganga runs its course of over 2500 km from Gangotri in the Himalayas to Ganga Sagar in the
Bay of Bengal through 52 cities and about 48 towns.
The Department of Environment, in December 1984, prepared an action plan for immediate reduction of pollution load on the river Ganga.
The cabinet approved the GAP in April 1985 as a 100 percent centrally sponsored scheme. The GAP I envisaged to intercept, divert and treat
882 mld (million litres per day) out of 1340 mld of wastewater, generated in 25 class I towns in 3 States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West
Bengal. The National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) had scheduled the GAP I for completion by March 1990, but extended it
progressively up to March 2000. While the GAP I was still in progress, the Central Ganga Authority decided in February 1991 to take up the
GAP II, covering the following pollution abatement works:
(a) On the tributaries of river Ganga, viz. Yamuna, Damodar and Gomati;
(b) In 25 class I towns left out in Phase I; and
(c) In the other polluting towns along the river.
The failure of the GAP is evident but corrective action is lacking. The plan itself was excellent. Had there been an honest implementation of
GAP, Ganga would have looked different. The enthusiasm waned with the passage of time and GAP became just one of the government
projects. One of the primary reasons for the failure of the GAP is the lack of realistic time-bound plans and commitment.
Source: http://www.ecofriends.org/main/eganga/images as of july 2009.
© Siddhartha/NTNC
Several legislative arrangements exist to address issues related to land use, building construction standards, solid waste and waste water
management, and conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage. However, the existing arrangements are isolated and the
functions and jurisdictions are not clearly stated. A special Act with all legislative arrangements required in consolidated form should be
promulgated for the efficient implementation of the act. The HPCIDBC’s recently drafted Bagmati Sabhyata Ekikrit Bikash Parishad
(Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Council) Act could fulfill the present gap.
© Siddhartha/NTNC
6 ACTION PLAN
VISION projects is still valid for city core (Zone 4). Therefore, actions
recommended for managing waste water for these areas are
mainly based on the same technology with some modification
Clean, green and healthy river system that
in some cases. The action plan has recommended DEWATS as a
is full of life and valued by all. new approach to manage waste, especially for Zones 2 and 3.
On-site sanitation is given higher priority at Zones 1 and 5.
This chapter sets the overall vision for restoration and conservation Managing waste through managing fecal sludge is given high
of the Bagmati river and its tributaries. It has defined goals, priority in some areas. Maps 9 and 10 present the systems
objectives and activities for each zone which are based on the key recommended to manage waste water and their service areas
issues identified in corresponding zones. Many good initiatives have in different parts of the Kathmandu Valley with their
been undertaken in the past in reversing the environmental appropriateness.
degradation and restoring the river system in the Kathmandu Valley.
While a few of them have been implemented, many of them have 6.1. Natural Conservation Core Zone
either not been commenced or have been delayed and discontinued
for several reasons. Many works recommended by those initiatives 6.1.1. Goal
can still be implemented with some modifications. This action plan To maintain and enhance the upstream river ecosystem
has given due recognition to the priority activities that have been
recommended by previous interventions. 6.1.2. Objectives
i. To protect and enhance water resources and increase water
Actions to be undertaken for managing waste are one of the discharge into the river;
most challenging tasks in developing this plan. Conventional ii. To conserve terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity;
waste water management system recommended by previous iii . To maintain and enhance the river water quality
36
iv. To renovate and conserve the cultural and heritage sites; and
v. To promote eco-tourism
6.1.3. Activities
Activity 1: Undertake various measures to protect and enhance
water resources and increase water discharge into the river;
i. Develop and implement regulatory mechanisms to minimize
© Bird Conservation Nepal

water extraction by KUKL and commercial water vendors;
ii. Protect and manage wetlands in areas such as Phulchowki
and Shivapuri National Park;
iii. Construct embankments in dhap (Shivapuri National Park) to
increase water recharging capacity; and
iv. Implement bioengineering works for recharging rivulets of
ShNP
Activity 2: Undertake various measures to conserve catchment
area and aquatic biodiversity; 6.2. Rural Zone
i. Carry out afforestation programmes in Shivapuri watershed
and other areas; 6.2.1. Goal
ii. Strengthen community forest user groups; To restore the river ecosystem through sustainable development
iii. Control deforestation and encroachment of the pubic lands approach
from grazing, agriculture, construction and other commercial
activities; 6.2.2. Objectives
iv. Promote sustainable use of renewable energy resources; i. To enhance water flow in the river;
v. Prepare and implement landscape plan of riparian land to ii. To prevent discharge of waste water and solid waste into rivers;
maintain green corridor; iii. To conserve biodiversity and riparian landscape;
vi. Update inventory of existing aquatic as well as terrestrial iv. To conserve and promote culture and heritage;
resources and protect biodiversity; and v. To promote sustainable agricultural practices; and
vii. Provide income generating opportunities to local communities vi. To regulate urban growth and industrial activities
in reducing pressure on forest
Activity 3: To maintain and enhance the river water quality 6.2.3. Activities
i. Promote total sanitation (no open defecation), with best Activity 1: Undertake various measures to enhance water flow in
available technologies such as ecosan, bio-gas etc. starting the river
from Sundarijal to other areas of Zone 1; i. Promote rain water harvesting at household and community
ii. Prevent disposal of solid waste in and around water bodies; level by constructing soak pits or through existing wells;
iii. Prevent pollution of river system from excessive use of agro- ii. Rehabilitate 17 existing ponds (Chapagaun 6, Chhampi 1, Sankhu
chemicals; and encourage organic farming 5, Balambu 1, Dadhikot 1 and Tokha 3) to recharge groundwater
iv. Establish systems for regular monitoring of river water quality through rainwater harvesting;
twice a year at eight locations iii. Minimize water extraction with the support of local community;
Activity 4: To renovate and conserve the cultural and heritage and
sites iv. Develop and implement land use plan to regulate urban growth
i. Prepare restoration plans of existing culture and heritage sites and industrial activities
and associated cultural activities; and Activity 2: To prevent discharge of waste water and solid waste
ii. Renovate and conserve temples such as Shivadev Basaha, into rivers
Buddha sculpture and ghats in Sundarijal i. Promote on-site sanitation with best available technologies
Activity 5: To promote tourism such as ecosan, bio-gas, safety tank etc.
i. Develop and enforce code of conduct; ii. Construct community managed DEWATS demonstration site in
ii. Diversify eco-tourism products such as adventure sports, bird Sankhu; and
watching, sight seeing, etc.; and iii. Promote DEWATS in institutions such as army and police barracks,
iii. Designate trekking routes and develop tourism infrastructure government offices, schools, colleges, housing colonies,
along the routes. monasteries and industries.
37

Activity 3: To conserve aquatic biodiversity and riparian landscape levels by constructing soak pits or through existing wells;
i. Prepare and implement landscape plan of riparian land to ii. Rehabilitate13 existing ponds (Thecho 3, Chapagaon 5,
maintain green corridor; Dhapakhel 1, Jharuwarasi 1 and Sunakothi 3) to recharge
ii. Carry out river bed restoration works such as check dams at groundwater through rainwater harvesting;
Sundarijal—Alapot Area, Changunarayan and Tokha; iii. Promote onsite sanitation at household and community levels
iii. Carry out bank protection works using bioengineering (61 km through measures such as septic tanks, fecals sludge
based on survey); management and other appropriate technologies;
iv. Introduce fish ladder at Gokarna barrage; iv. Construct community managed DEWATS at various locations
v. Construct access roads/foot trails along both the banks of the such as Phutung, Sangla, Katunje and Satungal;
river v. Promote DEWATS in institutions; such as army and police
vi. Establish a system for regular monitoring of river water quality barrages, government offices, schools, colleges, housing
twice a year at 17 locations; and colonies, monasteries and industries
vii. Create awareness by forming eco-clubs vi. Construct intercepting sewerage system along both the banks
Activity 4: To renovate and conserve the cultural and heritage sites of the rivers; and
i. Prepare an inventory of existing heritage sites in the zone; vii. Promote household and community level waste management
ii. Prepare restoration plans of important heritage sites and system
associated cultural activities; and viii. Construct septage treatment plants for faecal sludge
iii. Conserve and restore deteriorated temples (Tokha Chandeshwari management at locations such as Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, Harisiddhi
and Gokarna Mahadev) and Bungamati
Activity 5: Promote sustainable agricultural practices Activity 2: Undertake various measures to protect rvierside lands,
i. Promote organic farming aquatic biodiversity and aesthetic values of rivers and its
ii. Promote scientific drainage system in order to reduce soil surroundings
erosion from the field i. Introduce fish ladder underneath the Seshmati Khola bridge of
iii. Discourage use of pesticides and chemical fertilizer Dharmasthali VDC;
iv. Introduce an integrated pest management system ii. Prepare and implement landscape of riparian land to maintain
v. Encourage to recycle crop wastage and use livestocks manure green corridor;
Activity 6: Regulate urban growth and industrial activities iii. Carry out bank protection works (80 km) using bioengineering
i. Prepare and implement land use plan technique;
ii. Discourage water polluting and water consuming industries iv. Construct access roads/foot trails along both the banks of
iii. Ensure IEE/EIA studies for industries and other construction the rivers; and
activities in and around the river v. Establish a system for regular monitoring of river water quality
at 12 locations
6.3 Peri Urban Zone Activity 3: Control and relocate squatter settlements from the
river banks
6.3.1. Goal i. Verification and relocation of all squatters from the river banks
To restore the river ecosystem through effective management of ii. Control the encroachment of the river banks by squatters
urban growth Activity 4: Conserve and regenerate cultural and heritage sites
i. Prepare an inventory of existing heritage sites;
6.3.2. Objectives ii. Prepare restoration plans of important heritage sites and
i. To improve river water quality and quantity through proper associated cultural activities; and
management of water and waste water; iii. Conserve and restore deteriorated religious sites such as
ii. To protect river side land, aquatic biodiversity and aesthetic Mahalaxmi and Bishnudevi temples
value of rivers and its surroundings;
iii. To control and relocate squatter settlements from the river 6.4. Urban Zone
banks; and
iv. To conserve and regenerate culture and heritage 6.4.1. Goal
To upgrade the river ecosystem, conserve and regenerate tangible
6.3.3. Activities and intangible heritage linked with the rivers
Activity 1: To improve river water quality and quantity through
proper management of water and waste water 6.4.2. Objectives
i. Promote rain water harvesting at household and community i. To improve river water quantity and quality through proper
38
management of water and waste water;

ii. To improve the riparian landscape;
ECO-SAN
iii. To control and relocate squatter settlements from the river Ecological sanitation, also known as ecosan or eco-san, is a new
sanitation system that recognizes human excreta and household
banks; wastewater not as waste but as resources which needs to be
iv. To renovate and conserve the cultural and heritage sites; and recovered, treated and reused, usually for agricultural purposes.
v. To promote tourism Ecosan systems enable the recovery of nutrients from human
faeces and urine for the benefit of agriculture, thus helping to
preserve soil fertility, assure food security for future generations,
6.4.3. Activities minimize water pollution and recover bio-energy.
Activity 1: To improve river water quantity and quality through
Various NGOs and government organizations such as ENPHO, D-
proper management of water and waste water. Net, Lumanti, CIUD, DWSS are working in designing and
i. Promote rain water harvesting at household level by constructing the ecosan toilets in Kathmandu Valley and exploring
constructing soak pits or through existing wells; for its potential use in Terai region. Till date, more than 500 ecosan
toilets have been designed and constructed in Nepal of which
ii. Rehabilitate 32 existing ponds (Lalitpur 7, Kathmandu 7, Thimi 93% are in the Kathmandu valley mainly in Khokana, Siddhipur,
7, Bhaktapur 6 and Kirtipur 5) for rainwater harvesting to Lubhu, Gundu which have become “Model Village for Ecosan”.
recharge groundwater; Beside Kathmandu Valley, the Ecosan toilets are being used in
Parsa, Gorkha, Makawanpur, and Surkhet. Majority of the users of
iii. Rehabilitate Kodku WWTP at Balkumari to cater to waste water
Ecosan toilets in Nepal are farmers (WAN, 2008).
from core Lalitpur area and Baneshwar based on FSDED (2003);
iv. Rehabilitate Hanumante WWTP ;
v. Construct additional WWTP at Guheshwari and upgrade the Construct municipal composting plants targeted to Kalimati
existing WWTPs; vegetable market and Teku fruit market
vi. Construct septage treatment plant at HPCIDBC, Guheshwari, Activity 3: Control and relocate squatter settlements from the
for fecal sludge management; river banks
vii. Construct DEWATS at Hanumante and Manahara confluence; i. Verify and relocate the squatters from the river banks;
viii. Rehabilitate Sallaghari WWTP; ii. Control encroachment of the river banks by squatter and others
ix. Rehabilitate and expand Dhobighat WWTP based on UN-Habitat Activity 4: Maintain and renovate heritage sites
(2008); i. Update the inventory of existing heritage sites;
x. Construct DEWATS at Thimi and Kirtipur municipalities; ii. Prepare restoration plans of important heritage sites and
xi. Promote DEWATS at institutional levels such as army and police associated cultural activities; and
barrack, government offices, schools, colleges, housing colonies, iii. Conserve and regenerate deteriorated temples (Bombir
monasteries and industries; Bikateshwar, Bishnu Bikranta, Bhim Mukteshwar, Laxmiswar) and
xii. Construct, repair and manage intercepting sewerage system sattals and ghats in Sankhamul, Teku, Dallu and Shobha Bhagwati.
along both the banks of the rivers iv. Propare the inventory of intangible heritage
Construct waste water treatment plants with best available Activity 5: To promote tourism
technology at two sites of Bagmati river and one site each of i. Rehabilitate public space along Teku—Thapathali stretch as
Bishnumati and Dhobikhola as demonstration plants recommended by the Teku Thapathali Research Group (1994)
xiii. Promote on-site sanitation at household and community levels and promote the area for tourism development
through measures such as septic tanks;
xiv. Establish fecal sludge management systems; and 6.5. Downstream Zone
xv. Establish a system for regular monitoring of river water quality
twice a year at 20 locations 6.5.1. Goal
Activity 2: Take measures to protect river side land, aquatic To restore healthy river ecosystem with the capacity for self-
biodiversity and aesthetic value of rivers and their surroundings purification
i . Prepare and implement landscape of riparian land to maintain
green corridor; 6.5.2. Objectives
ii . Carry out bank protection works (70 km) using bioengineering To improve river water quantity and quality through proper
technique; management of water and waste water;
iii. Construct access roads/foot trails along both the banks of ii. To improve the self-purification process of the river;
the rivers ensuring conservation of existing ghats and iii. To enhance riparian landscape for the conservation of terrestrial
heritage sites; habitat; and
iv. To conserve the cultural and heritage sites
Initiate plantation at riparian land at Sankhamul, Pachali Bhairab,
v. To promote eco-tourism
confluence of Bagmati—Bishnumati and Sundarighat; and
39
6.6. Cross-cutting activities

These are the activities which are either common for all zones or
their outputs help to build the capacity of HPCIDBC and other
agencies working for the restoration of Bagmati river and its
tributaries.
Activity 1: Restructure existing HPCIDBC to implement the Bagmati
Action Plan
Activity 2: Formulate policies, legislations and regulatory
mechanisms required for HPCIDBC Act
Activity 3: Revise Waste Management Act and Rules and
amendments of existing waste management policy
Activity 4: Develop guidelines to prevent haphazard construction
of local drains and discharging of waste water into rivers
Activity 5: Demarcate river territories, water ways and flood plains
6.5.3. Activities (UN-Habitat 2008)
To improve river water quantity and quality through Activity 6: Explore and assess possibilities for increasing water
proper management of water and waste water discharge in the river such as inter basin transfer of water to
© Siddhartha/NTNC
i. Promote on-site sanitation including ecosan; Bagmati through multi purpose Melamchi Project
ii. Construct DEWATS at Sainbu; Activity 7: Prepare a water inventory GIS database including river
iii. Promote DEWATS at institutional levels such as army and police networks, water source area, with the level of vulnerability to low flow
barracks, government offices, schools, colleges, housing Activity 8: Develope a long term Bagmati Ecological Monitoring
colonies, monasteries and industries; System by involving national and international academic
iv. Rehabilitate existing ponds (Khokana 2 and Bungmati 5) for institutions
rainwater harvesting to recharge ground water; Activity 9: Establish municipal compost plants, explore and develop
v. Construct intercepting sewerage system at certain areas; and strategies to link with CDM to generate revenues
vi. Establish a system for regular monitoring of river water quality Activity 10: Ensure IEE/EIA studies for industries and other
at 4 locations construction activities in and around the rivers
To improve the self-purification process of the river Activity 11: Establish short and long term sanitary landfill sites
i. Design and implement weirs in the river bed to facilitate for waste disposal
aeration; and Activity 12: Promote household and community level waste
ii. Construct floating waste collection ponds downstream of management system including composting with the involvement
Chobhar gorge of private sector
Activity 3: Undertake various measures to protect river side land, Engage private sector for the management of solid
aquatic biodiversity and aesthetic value of rivers and their waste in Kathmandu Valley
surroundings Develop public-private-partnership for Faecal Sludge
i. Prepare and implement landscape plan of riparian land to Management System
maintain green corridor; Ensure the provision of waste water treatment system
ii. Carry out bank protection measures (70 km) using for all commercial buildings and housing colonies
bioengineering technique; and Plant and protect indigenous plant species along the
iii. Construct access roads/foot trails along both the banks of the river banks
river Build capacity of local communities, public sector
Maintain and renovate the cultural and heritage sites organisations and other stakeholders for implementation of BAP
i. Prepare an inventory of existing heritage sites; Initiate public awareness and advocacy campaigns
ii. Prepare restoration plans of existing heritage sites and for the conservation of natural resources and river ecosystem
associated cultural activities; and Support guthi traditions for maintenance and
iii. Conserve and regenerate temples in Jal Binayak and Katuwal daha conservation of heritage sites
Promote tourism and recreation Conduct regular research by involving academic
i. Construct trails for bird watching; institutions
ii. Develop and promote the area for recreation; and
iii. Construct picnic spots
40
Map 10: Waste water management plan for the Kathmandu Valley (with zones)
© Siddhartha/NTNC
7 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND
MONITORING PLAN
The Bagmati Action Plan is a holistic and integrated plan to restore, organisational structure of HPCIDBC to address the issues and
enhance and manage the Bagmati river and its tributaries with activities highlighted in the plan.
different agencies involved in the promotion of various components.
There are different governmental, non-governmental and civil society All the stakeholders and partners must take permission for any
organisations, and other stakeholders working in different zones. activity to be carried out in and around the Bagmati river and its
They must be involved in an integrated and coordinated fashion both tributaries aimed at maintaining consistency and avoiding
during planning and implementation of activities. A strong mechanism duplication of the activities, and to bring all the stakeholders
to establish coordination among these institutions has to be developed under one umbrella.
for efficient and sustainable management of the Bagmati river.
7.1. Establish HPCIDBC as a key 7.2. Partner agencies and their role
coordinating and leading agency
Roles of different agencies working for the improvement of
An institution with strong legislative power to control and regulate rivers in the Kathmandu Valley have to be clearly specified to
activities in the rivers of the Kathmandu Valley must own and avoid conflict and duplication of work and optimise resources.
implement this plan. The plan envisages the HPCIDBC as the most Agencies identified as potential stakeholders and their roles for
appropriate institution for planning, policy and decision-making implementation of the action plan are discussed below:
and also for controlling and regulating activities in the Bagmati
river and its tributaries. HPCIDBC should also be responsible for 7.2.1. User committees and community-based
monitoring activities taking place in and around the Bagmati river institutions
and its tributaries. However, strengthening of HPCIDBC is important Several user committees and clubs are working for the
to achieve this priority. The plan recommends to reform the existing improvement of the environmental status of the rivers at the
42
7.2.5. Shivapuri National Park (ShNP)

community level (Annex VIII). Many good initiatives have been

undertaken by these communities which can be replicated in The role of the Shivapuri National Park should be to implement
different parts of the rivers. They include: creating awareness about activities identified by the action plan within its working area.
the importance of the river environment to the communities along These activities are primarily related to water discharge increment,
the river banks; conserving culture and heritage; promoting eco- protecting and maintaining biodiversity, managing waste produced
friendly practices such as river side plantation, rain water harvesting by tourists and picnikers and settlements inside the national park.
and clean-up campaigns.
7.2.6. Kathmandu Valley Water Supply
7.2.2. Municipalities and Village Development Managerment Board
Committees (VDCs) Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board (KVWSMB) is
The Local Self-Governance Act has identified the responsibilities a public statuary entity, establishement under an Act, Water Supply
and functions of municipalities and Village Development Management Board Act 2064. KVWSMB is responsible for developing
Committees (VDCs). Solid waste and waste water management in and overseeing service policies, and providing license to service
VDCs/municipalities are some of the key responsibilities of local providers for the operation and management of water supply
government which have greater impacts on the river environment. system in Kathmandu Valley. It is responsible for providing sanitation
They should be responsible for effectively implementing laws, facilities and keeping pollution free rivers in the Kathmandu Valley.
bylaws and codes that could help conserve and restore the river
ecosystem of the Kathmandu Valley. Some of the other key responsibilities are preparing policy for the
use of ground water, regulating ground water extraction/issue
7.2.3. District Development Committees (DDCs) license and developing policies for water supply management.
The District Development Committees (DDCs) can play important
role in the successful implementation of the action plan. Many 7.2.7. Department of Water Supply and
legislative powers and activities discharged by DDCs can be integrated Sewerage (DWSS)
which will help to address some of the activities identified by the The Department of Water Supply and Sewerage (DWSS) under
action plan. Reference to the resources allocated by the districts for Ministry of Physical Planning and Works of the Government of
river bank restoration and river training works in DDC budget (2008) Nepal was established in 1972. This is the responsible government
are some of the examples of possible integration of activities related agency for the drinking water supply and sanitation sector of Nepal.
to the restoration of the Bagmati river. It is working towards achieving the sector objective of Government
of Nepal to achieve government's goal of providing all the Nepalese
7.2.4. NGOs and Private Sector people access to drinking water supply and sanitation facilities by
The Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and private sector the year 2017.
can play significant role on awareness and clean-up campaigns,
community-based waste management, river side plantation and 7.2.8. UN Park Development Committee
protection, culture and heritage, and management of parks and The United Nations, in collaboration with the Government of Nepal,
other public utilities along the river banks. has developed a park along the Bagmati river from Sankhamul to Teku
to halt further degradation of the Bagmati river ecosystem. River
protection works, tree plantation, construction of tracks and trail road,
fencing and construction of jogging trails at Jwagal are some the major
development activities implemented by the UN Park Development
Committee and supported by Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN).
7.2.9. Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited

(KUKL)
The Kathmandu Upatkya Khanepani Limited (KUKL) should follow
the norms and regulations for using water from rivers and ground
© Siddhartha/NTNC
water so that the impact of the use of such natural resources is

minimal in the river ecosystem. The KUKL should also manage
sewerage network and ensure that the waste water discharge into
the river should meet the national quality standards. It should also
develop, operate and maintain major waste water treatment
systems within the Kathmandu Valley.
43
7.3. Government line agencies

The NTNC has recently started Bagmati Conservation Project for
the conservation and protection of rivers of the Kathmandu
Many activities that help in protecting river ecosystem have already Valley. The NTNC can play an important role to influence
been initiated in different ways by different government line agencies. stakeholders and help HPCIDBC in coordinating with partner
Some of the key government agencies working for the restoration of agencies for the effective implementation of the action plan,
Bagmati river system include: Ministry of Physical Planning and monitoring, evaluate impacts and provide feedbacks of its
Works, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of findings to the concerned line agencies and stakeholders.
Forests and Soil Conservation, Ministry of Local Development, Additionally, it can also play an important role in mainstreaming
Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, environmental issues of rivers of the Kathmandu Valley during
Department of Water Supply and Sewerage,Department of Roads, the planning process. One of the major strengths of NTNC is to
Kathmandu Valley Town Development Committee, Solid Waste garner national and international support and recognition for
Management and Resource Mobilisation Centre, Department of Land the implementation of the plan and generating financial and
Survey-Cadastral Survey and Registration, Department of Land human resources, as required.
Revenue, Department of Archaeology, Guthi Sansthan, Water and
Energy Commission Secretariat, Shivapuri National Park and the 7.5. Monitoring plan
Department of Water Induced Disaster and Preparedness. These
agencies should implement all their concerned activities as identified The plan has emphasised a monitoring system for the proposed
by the action plan. activities once these are implemented. Regular monitoring is
required from the concerned authorities and similarly
7.4. National Trust for Nature feedbacks to the implementers. Besides regular monitoring, a
Conservation participatory or joint monitoring system is required where
representatives from concerned stakeholders participate and
National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), previously known monitor the programme. For this, activity-wise indicators are
as King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, is an NGO given in Chapter 8. In order to make it flexible, the plan has
established in 1982 by the legislative act as an autonomous, non- not provided the procedures and monitoring plan. The plan
profit and non-government organisation, mandated to work in the feels that the proposed monitors should prepare their own
field of natural resource conservation and environment protection action plan and procedures. However, for effective monitoring
in Nepal. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is one commitment from the authorities and the concerned
of its most successful projects. stakeholders is a pre-requisite.
Preconditions for successful implementation of BAP

HPCIDBC act should be in place before the implementation of the plan;
The Nepal Government should govern the Bagmati Action Plan;
Government and concerned organisations should incorporate the proposed activities in their respective work plans;
Roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders should be clearly defined and owned by them; and
Coordination and collaboration with local government agencies and private sector is a must.
Political commitment to achieve goal is a must.
Top Priority Actions recommended during Implementation

River pollution control
River water quality and quantity improvement
Securing ‘right of way’ of Bagmati and its tributaries
River side management and beautification
Public awareness and other remaining activities
44
Table 7.1: MONITORING PLAN ZONE 1
ACTIVITIES MEANS OF VERIFICATION
Activity 1: Undertake Develop and implement regulatory mechanisms to minimize water Water extraction formula worked out and agreed among stakeholders; regulatory
various measures to extraction by KUKL and commercial water vendors mechanism to minimize water extraction developed and implemented;
protect and enhance Protect and manage wetlands in areas such as Phulchowki and Wetland inventory of Bagmati watershed initiated; Important wetlands in areas such as
water resources and Shivapuri National Park Phulchowki and ShNP managed on a high priority basis jointly with local stakeholders
increase water
Construct embankments in dhap (Shivapuri National Park) to increase completion of embankment in Dhap
discharge into the river
water recharging capacity
Implement bioengineering works for recharging rivulets of ShNP Number of bioengineering works needed in rivulets of ShNP identified and completed
Activity 2: Undertake Carry out afforestation programmes in Shivapuri watershed and other Areas for afforestation identified and afforestation activities carried out
various measures to areas Community forestry user groups identified, their needs assessed along with
conserve catchment Strengthen community forest user groups; programmes to strengthen their role in protection and conservation of the Bagmati river
area and aquatic
Control deforestation and encroachment of the pubic lands from Location of deforestation and encroachment of pubic lands from grazing, agriculture,
biodiversity
grazing, agriculture, construction and other commercial activities; construction and other commercial activities identified and local stakeholders mobilised
Promote sustainable use of renewable energy resources; for corrective action
Prepare and implement landscape plan of riparian land to maintain Landscape plan prepared and area landscaped
green corridor
Update inventory of existing aquatic as well as terrestrial resources Inventory of aquatic resources prepared and updated along with the institutionalization
and protect biodiversity of a monitoring and feedback system
Provide income generating opportunities to local communities in Income generating opportunities provided to the local communities
reducing pressure on forest
Activity 3: To maintain Promote total sanitation (no open defecation), with best available Number of households using ecosan and bio-gas
and enhance the river technologies such as ecosan, bio-gas etc. starting from Sundarijal
water quality to other areas of Zone 1;
Prevent disposal of solid waste in and around water bodies; Monitor and mobilise concerned groups for safeguarding the quality of water
Prevent pollution of river system from excessive use of agro- Mobilise concerned groups for preventing disposal of solid waste in water bodies
chemicals; and encourage organic farming
Establish systems for regular monitoring of river water quality twice a Water quality monitoring systems at 8 locations established and operated
year at eight locations
Activity 4: To renovate Prepare restoration plans of existing culture and heritage sites and Restoration plans of existing heritage sites and associated cultural activities prepared,
and conserve the associated cultural activities; and organisations and bodies for their implementation identified after consultations with
cultural and heritage Renovate and conserve temples such as Shivadev Basaha, Buddha appropriate groups
sites sculpture and ghats in Sundarijal Number of temples renovated and heritage sites conserved
Activity 5: To promote Develop and enforce code of conduct; Code of conduct developed, awareness campaigns undertaken and enforced
tourism
Diversify eco-tourism products such as adventure sports, bird Number of eco-tourism sites identified, developed and promoted in partnership with
watching, sight seeing, etc.; and concerned groups
Designate trekking routes and develop tourism infrastructure along Trekking routes designated and tourism infrastructure developed
the routes.
Table 7.2: MONITORING PLAN ZONE 2
Activity 1: Undertake Promote rain water harvesting at household and community level by Number of households with rainwater harvesting increased
various measures to constructing soak pits or through existing wells;
enhance water flow in Rehabilitate 17 existing ponds (Chapagaun 6, Chhampi 1, Sankhu 5, Number of ponds rehabilitated
the river Balambu 1, Dadhikot 1 and Tokha 3) to recharge groundwater through
rainwater harvesting; List of measures (incentives for conservation and payment systems for use)
Minimize water extraction with the support of local community; and undertaken to minimize water extraction after discussion with local stakeholders
Develop and implement land use plan to regulate urban growth and Encourage, facilitate and support local government to prepare land use plan for
industrial activities regulating urban growth and industrial activities
Activity 2: To prevent Promote on-site sanitation with best available technologies such as Number of households with toilet (ecosan) and facilitated with biogas increased
discharge of waste ecosan, bio-gas, safety tank etc. DEWATS demonstrated
water and solid waste
Construct community managed DEWATS demonstration site in Sankhu; Number of institutions adopting DEWATS increased by providing awareness and
into rivers
and training
Promote DEWATS in institutions such as army and police barracks,
government offices, schools, colleges, housing colonies, monasteries
and industries.
Activity 3: To conserve Prepare and implement landscape plan of riparian land to maintain Encourage and support the development of land use plan of riparian land; land
aquatic biodiversity and green corridor; use plan of riparian land prepared and area landscaped by appropriate units of
riparian landscape local governments
Carry out river bed restoration works such as check dams at Sundarijal—
Alapot Area, Changunarayan and Tokha;
Restoration work in selected locations carried out
Carry out bank protection works using bioengineering (61 km based on
River protection works in selected locations completed
survey);
Fish ladder at Gokarna barrage introduced and impact monitored by an
Introduce fish ladder at Gokarna barrage;
appropriate organisation
Construct access roads/foot trails along both the banks of the river
Access roads/foot trails constructed
Establish a system for regular monitoring of river water quality twice a
Water quality monitoring systems at 17 locations established, operated and
year at 17 locations; and
monitored
Create awareness by forming eco-clubs Eco club formed and awareness created
Activity 4: To renovate Prepare an inventory of existing heritage sites in the zone; Inventory of heritage sites prepared
and conserve the
Prepare restoration plans of important heritage sites and associated Restoration plans of existing heritage sites and associated cultural activities
cultural and heritage
cultural activities; and prepared jointly with concerned groups along with the facilitation of
sites
Conserve and restore deteriorated temples (Tokha Chandeshwari and implementation
Gokarna Mahadev) Number of temples renovated, heritage sites conserved and monitored
Activity 5: Promote Promote organic farming Number of areas promoted with organic farming
sustainable agricultural
Promote scientific drainage system in order to redcue soil erosion from scientific drainage system promoted and reduction in soil erosion
practices
the field
Discourage use of pesticides and chemical fertilizer Reduction in use of pesticides and chemical fertilizer
Introduce an integrated pest management system Integrated pest management system introduced and adopted
Encourage to recycle crop wastage and use livestocks manure Crop wastage recycled and used
Activity 6: Regulate Prepare and implement land use plan Land use plan prepared and implemented
urban growth and Discourage water polluting and water consuming industries Water polluting and water consuming industries discouraged
industrial activities IEE/EIA studies adopted for industries and other construction activities in and
Ensure IEE/EIA studies for industries and other construction activities in
and around the river around the river

45
46
Table 7.3: MONITORING PLAN
ZONE 3
Activity 1: To improve river Promote rain water harvesting at household and community levels by Number of household with rainwater harvesting
water quality and quantity constructing soak pits or through existing wells;
through proper Rehabilitate 6 existing ponds (Thecho 3, Chapagaon 5, Dhapakhel 1, Number of ponds rehabilitated
management of water Jharuwarasi 1 and Sunakothi 3) to recharge groundwater through rainwater
and waste water harvesting;
Promote onsite sanitation at household and community levels through Number of households with toilet increased
measures such as septic tanks, fecals sludge management and other
appropriate technologies;
Construct community managed DEWATS at various locations such as Number of households and area covered by DEWATS
Phutung, Sangla, Katunje and Satungal;
Promote DEWATS in institutions; such as army and police barrages, Number of institutions adopting DEWATS increased
government offices, schools, colleges, housing colonies, monastries
and industries
Construct intercepting sewerage system along both the banks Intercepting sewerage system constructed along both the banks of the rivers;
of the rivers; and
Construct septage treatment plants for faecal sludge management at Septage treatment plants constructed in the specified areas
locations such as Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, Harisiddhi and Bungamati
Introduce fish ladder underneath the Seshmati Khola bridge of Fish ladder at Seshmati Khola introduced
Activity 2: Undertake
Dharmasthali VDC;
various measures to
protect rvierside lands, Prepare and implement landscape of riparian land to maintain green Land use plan of riparian land prepared and area landscaped by appropriate local
aquatic biodiversity and corridor; agencies
aesthetic values of rivers Carry out bank protection works (80 km) using bioengineering technique; Locations along the river protected by appropriate local agencies
and its surroundings
Construct access roads/foot trails along both the banks of the rivers; and Access road/foot trails constructed along the banks of the river
Establish a system for regular monitoring of river water quality at 12 Water quality monitoring system established and operated by appropriate local
locations agencies
Activity 3: Control and Verification and relocation of all squatters from the river banks Number of squatter settlements verified and relocated from river banks
relocate squatter
Control the encroachment of the river banks by squatters and other River banks encroachment controlled
settlements from the river
agencies
banks
Activity 4: Conserve and Prepare an inventory of existing heritage sites; Inventory of heritage sites prepared
regenerate cultural and
heritage sites Prepare restoration plans of important heritage sites and associated Restoration plans of existing heritage sites and associated cultural activities
cultural activities; and prepared
Conserve and restore deteriorated religious sites such as Mahalaxmi Number of temples renovated and heritage sites conserved
and Bishnudevi temples
ZONE 4
Activity 1: To improve river Promote rain water harvesting at household level by constructing soak pits or Number of households with rainwater harvesting increased
water quantity and quality through existing wells;
through proper Number of ponds rehabilitated
Rehabilitate 32 existing ponds (Lalitpur 7, Kathmandu 7, Thimi 7, Bhaktapur 6
management of water
and Kirtipur 5) for rainwater harvesting to recharge groundwater;
and waste water.
Rehabilitate Kodku WWTP at Balkumari to cater to waste water from core Kodku Waste Water Treatment Plant rehabilitated
Lalitpur area and Baneshwar based on FSDED (2003);
Rehabilitate Hanumante WWTP ; Hanumante Waste Water Treatment Plan rehabilitated
Construct additional WWTP at Guheshwari and upgrade the existing WWTPs; Existing WWTP at Guheshwari improved and additional unit constructed
Construct septage treatment plant at HPCIDBC, Guheshwari, for fecal sludge Faecal sludge treatment plant at Guheshwari constructed
management;
Construct DEWATS at Hanumante and Manahara confluence; DEWATS at Hanumante/Manhara confluence constructed
Rehabilitate Sallaghari WWTP; Sallaghari WWTP rehabilitated and upgraded
Rehabilitate and expand Dhobighat WWTP based on UN-Habitat (2008); Dhobighat WWTP rehabilitated
Construct DEWATS at Thimi and Kirtipur municipalities; DEWATS constructed at Thimi and Kirtipur municipalities
Promote DEWATS at institutional levels such as army and police barrack, Number of institutions adopting DEWATS increased
government offices, schools, colleges, housing colonies, monasteries and
industries;
Construct, repair and manage intercepting sewerage system along both the Intercepting sewerage system constructed and managed along both
banks of the rivers the banks of the river
Construct waste water treatment plants with best available technology at two Waste water treatment plant constructed in specified locations of
sites of Bagmati river and one site each of Bishnumati and Dhobikhola as Bagmati and Bishnumati river
demonstration plants
Promote on-site sanitation at household and community levels through measures Number of households with toilet increased
such as septic tanks;
Establish fecal sludge management systems; and Fecal sludge management system established
Establish a system for regular monitoring of river water Water quality monitoring system established and operated
quality twice a year at 20 locations
Activity 2: Take measures Prepare and implement landscape of riparian land to maintain green corridor; Land use plan of riparian land prepared and area landscaped
to protect river side land, Carry out bank protection works (70 km) using bioengineering technique;
Length of river protected
aquatic biodiversity and
Construct access roads/foot trails along both the banks of
aesthetic value of rivers Access roads/foot trails constructed along both banks of the river
and their surroundings the rivers ensuring conservation of existing ghats and heritage sites;
Initiate plantation at riparian land at Sankhamul, Pachali Bhairab, confluence of Specified area planted
Bagmati—Bishnumati and Sundarighat; and
Construct municipal composting plants targeted to Kalimati vegetable market Municipal composting plants constructed
and Teku fruit market

47
48
Table 7.4
Contd...
Activity 3: Control and Verify and relocate the squatters from the river banks; Number of squatter settlements verified and relocated from the river banks
relocate squatter Control encroachment of the river banks by squatter and others River encroachment controlled
settlements from the river
banks
Activity 4: Maintain and Update the inventory of existing heritage sites; Inventory of existing heritage sites updated
renovate heritage sites Prepare restoration plans of important heritage sites and associated cultural Restoration plans of existing heritage sites and associated cultural activities
activities; and prepared
Conserve and regenerate deteriorated temples (Bombir Bikateshwar, Bishnu Number of temples renovated and heritage sites conserved in those
Bikranta, Bhim Mukteshwar, Laxmiswar) and sattals and ghats in Sankhamul, specified locations
Teku, Dallu and Shobha Bhagwati.
Prepare the inventory of intangible heritage Inventory of heritage sites prepared
Activity 5: To promote Rehabilitate public space along Teku—Thapathali stretch as recommended by Public space along Teku to Thapathali stretch rehabilitated and promoted
tourism the Teku Thapathali Research Group (1994) and promote the area for tourism for tourism development
development
ZONE 5
Activity 1: To improve Promote on-site sanitation including ecosan; Number of households with increased toilets
river water quantity and Construct DEWATS at Sainbu; DEWATS demonstration site for Sainbu area constructed
quality through proper
Promote DEWATS at institutional levels such as army and police Number of institutions adopting DEWATS increased
management of water
barracks, government offices, schools, colleges, housing colonies,
and waste water
monastries and industries;
Rehabilitate existing ponds (Khokana 2 and Bungmati 5) for Number of ponds rehabilitated
rainwater harvesting to recharge ground water;
Construct intercepting sewerage system at certain areas; and Intercepting sewerage system constructed
Establish a system for regular monitoring of river water quality at 4 Water quality monitoring system established and operated
locations
Activity 2: To improve the Design and implement weirs in the river bed to facilitate aeration; Locations for engineering structures identified, designed and operated by
self-purification process appropriate agencies
of the river
Construct floating waste collection ponds downstream of Chobhar Floating waste removing system at downstream of Chobhar gorge designed and
gorge operated
Activity 3: Undertake Prepare and implement landscape plan of riparian land to maintain Land use plan of riparian land prepared and area landscaped
various measures to green corridor;
protect river side land, Carry out bank protection measures (70 km) using bioengineering locations along the river protected
aquatic biodiversity and technique; and
aesthetic value of rivers
and their surroundings Construct access roads/foot trails along both the banks of the river Access roads/foot trails constructed along both the banks of the river
Activity 4: Maintain and Prepare an inventory of existing heritage sites; Inventory of heritage sites prepared
renovate the cultural and Prepare restoration plans of existing heritage sites and associated Restoration plans of existing heritage sites and associated cultural activities
heritage sites cultural activities; and prepared
Conserve and regenerate temples in Jal Binayak and Katuwal daha Number of temples renovated and heritage sites conserved
Activity 5: Promte tourism Construct trails for bird watching; Length of trails for bird watching constructed
and recreation
Develope and promote the area for recreation; and Number of areas developed and promoted for recreation
Construct picnic spots Number of picnic spots constructed

49
50
Cross-cutting Activities
Activity 1: Restructure existing HPCIDBC to implement the Bagmati Action Plan HPCIDBC with new organization structure and successful implementation of BAP
Activity 2: Formulate policies, legislations and regulatory mechanisms required for Number of newly formulated policies, legislation and regulatory mechanisms
HPCIDBC Act
Activity 3: Revise Waste Management Act and Rules and amendments of existing Waste Management Act and Rules revised and existing waste management policy
waste management policy amended
Activity 4: Develop guidelines to prevent haphazard construction of local drains and Guideline prepared for local development support to prevent haphazard construction of
discharging of waste water into rivers local drains and discharging waste water into rivers
Activity 5: Demarcate river territories, water ways and flood plains (UN-Habitat 2008) River areas and water source areas demarcated
Activity 6: Explore and assess possibilities for increasing water discharge in the river such Possibility of increase in river water discharge in Bagmati explored
as interbasin transfer of water to Bagmati through multi purpose Melamchi Project
Activity 7: Prepare a water inventory GIS database including river networks, water Water inventory GIS database prepared
source area, with the level of vulnerability to low flow
Activity 8: Develop a long term Bagmati Ecological Monitoring System by involving A long term Bagmati Ecological Monitoring System developed
national and international academic institutions
Activity 9: Establish municipal compost plants, explore and develop strategies to link Number of municipal compost plant established, strategy prepared and revenue
with CDM to generate revenues generated
Activity 10: Ensure IEE/EIA studies for industries and other construction activities in and IEE or EIA study carried out
around the rivers
Activity 11: Establish short and long term sanitary landfill sites for waste disposal Sanitary landfill sites established and operated
Activity 12: Promote household and community level waste management system Decreasing percentage of organic solid waste at landfill site
including composting with the involvement of private sector
Activity 13: Engage private sector for the management of solid waste in Kathmandu Involvement of Private Sector for solid waste management of Kathmandu Valley
Valley
Activity 14: Develop public-private-partnership for Faecal Sludge Management System PPP Feacal Sludge Management System developed
Activity 15: Ensure the provision of waste water treatment system for all commercial Waste water treatment system ensured in all commercial buildings
buildings and housing colonies Number of monitoring carried out
Activity 16: Plant and protect indigenous plant species along the river banks Indigenous plant species planted and protected
Activity 17: Build capacity of local communities, public sector organisations and other Capacity of local communities, public sector organizations and other
stakeholders for implementation of BAP stakeholders build up
Activity 18: Initiate public awareness and advocacy campaigns for the conservation of Number of advocacy campaigns and public awareness programmes carried out
natural resources and river ecosystem
Activity 19: Support guthi traditions for maintenance and conservation of heritage sites Database of guthis related to cultural heritage along the river sides prepared,
guthis revived
Activity 20: Conduct regular research by involving academic institutions Regular research carried out through the involvement of academic institutions
© Siddhartha/NTNC
8 BUDGET PLAN
Waste water Riparian land
management management
8.1. Current government budget 52% 11%
Several responsible agencies exist to address environmental issues

related to the Bagmati river system. Based on the consultation Other
1%
with major stakeholders and review of the current fiscal year
budget, a detailed analysis was carried out to estimate the
allocation of the government budget in addressing the issues of
the Bagmati river and its tributaries. The government has allocated
Solid waste
a total sum of Rs. 694.24 million for the fiscal year 2008/09. This management
amount includes the budget of four municipalities (Kathmandu, 36%
Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, and Madhyapur Thimi), Ministry of Forests and
Soil Conservation, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Fig 8.1: Sectoral allocation of budget for 2008—2009
Department of Water Induced Disaster and Preparedness, Solid
Waste Management and Resource Mobilisation Centre, BASP, Major sectors allocated for current expenditure are waste water
Pashupati Area Development Trust, UN Park Development management (52%), solid waste management (36%), riparian land
Committee and Shivapuri National Park. In addition, the Japan management (10.8%), community forest conservation (0.8%), culture
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has committed to provide and heritage (0.3%), and rain water harvesting (0.1%) (Figure 8.1).
financial assistance of Rs.1,500 million in 2009 for landfill site Primary activities under waste water management are the construction
development, and BASP is receiving 0.5% of the land revenue and maintenance of sewerage and slaughter house, biogas and
which comes to the tune of Rs. 550 million for 2009. treatment plants. Landfill sites, transfer stations, recycling, composting,
52
incinerator, community mobilisation, training and capacity building The allocation of resources for Zone 3 and Zone 4 is comparatively
are other major activities under solid waste management. higher each year. The cross classification of total budget for five
years by the action plan is shown in Fig. 8.4. The detailed budgets
8.2. Proposed budget plan are presented in the following Table 8.2 up to Table 8.7.
Budget has been calculated considering all possible fixed and

variable costs. The projected budget also addresses the issues
related to empirical information, ground-based realities, population
projection, and inflation rate. In some cases, the budget has been
estimated either on the basis of the cost mentioned by past projects
or based on the prevailing rates. In case of the activity which is
completely based on the recommendation made by previous
© BAP Study Team

projects such as WWTP designed by FSDED (2003), the cost estimated
by the project is taken as reference. The estimated cost is adjusted
with inflation rate and some modification is required in the design.
The current market rate has also been taken into consideration.
Rapid growth of settlements in peri-urban zone.
The cost of DEWATS and fecal sludge management involves complex
calculation which is based on the population projected for specific
area suitable for DEWATS up to 1958.
80
The population of specific area required for DEWATS was estimated
using the population density of VDC/municipality and rural growth
rate (1.71%). Huge amount has been allocated for DEWATS and 60
squatter settlement mainly due to high cost for land acquisition.
This cost may be significantly lower if the land is available free of
40
cost from other sources. Details of cost estimation of each activity
are not presented and budget has not incorporated the contribution
required from public and private entities. 20
Usually, action plan and budget is projected for a longer period.

However, the budget for this plan has been projected only for five 0
years because of the changing political context of Nepal. Considering 1 2 3 4 5
this fact, activities and budgets have been planned accordingly.
Figure 8.2. Distribution of five year budget
Budget has been predicted in such a way that there is room for
predicting the budget to longer period after five years.
The required total estimated budget for five years is Rs 15,028 Cross Cutting
10.98%
million (Table 8.1). Of the total budget, the huge amount (25.68%) Zone 1
Zone 5 1.47% Zone 2 Zone 3
has been allocated for the second year and then third year (21.88%) 12.23% 6.45% 22.62%
as most of the works have to be carried out in these years. Similarly
19.33% of budget is allocated for first year, 19.33% for fourth year
and 14% for final year (Figure 8.2).
Among the total, Zone 4 requires the maximum budget because

this zone covers municipalities where major activities have been
proposed. Similarly, Zone 1 requires less budget compared to other
zones (Fig. 8.3). Although this is the area where more inputs are
required to conserve river sources through wise management of Zone 4
46.28%
biodiversity and vegetation, more outputs are expected through
less but appropriate inputs. Figure 8.3. Budget allocated in different zones
53

Table 8.1. Five years budget for BAP
YEARS
Budget Plan YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 TOTAL
Cross Cutting 349,720,000 369,350,000 321,940,000 306,210,000 302,280,000 1,649,500,000
Zone 1 53,380,000 55,330,000 50,230,000 31,930,000 28,930,000 219,800,000
Zone 2 89,450,000 235,790,000 217,410,000 213,920,000 212,130,000 968,700,000
Zone 3 766,250,000 818,470,000 644,020,000 694,060,000 476,100,000 3,398,900,000
Zone 4 1,377,357,600 1,994,437,600 1,590,777,600 1,162,137,600 829,777,600 6,954,488,000
Zone 5 269,687,000 385,822,500 463,642,750 460,258,500 257,874,250 1,837,285,000
Total 2,905,844,600 3,859,200,100 3,288,020,350 2,868,516,100 2,107,091,850 15,028,673,000

Table 8.2: BUDGET FOR BAGMATI ACTION PLAN 54

Cross cutting Activities
ACTIVITIES YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 TOTAL PARTNER AGENCIES

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 1: Restructure existing HPCIDBC to 15,320,000 38,300,000 11,490,000 7,660,000 3,830,000 76,600,000 MoPPW, NTNC
implement the Bagmati Action Plan
Activity 2: Formulate policies, legislations 450,000 900,000 150,000 1,500,000 MoPPW
and regulatory mechanisms required for
HPCIDBC Act
Activity 3: Revise Waste Management Act 500,000 400,000 100,000 1,000,000 SWMRMC
and Rules and amendments of existing
waste management policy
Activity 4: Develop guidelines to prevent 500,000 500,000 SWMRMC/VDCs/
haphazard construction of local drains and Municipalities
discharging of waste water into rivers
Activity 5: Demarcate river territories, water 7,500,000 7,500,000 15,000,000 Survey Department/KVTDC
ways and flood plains (UN-Habitat 2008)
Activity 6: Explore and assess possibilities 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 10,000,000 WECS
for increasing water discharge in the river
such as inter basin transfer of water to
Bagmati through multi purpose Melamchi
Project
Activity 7: Prepare a water inventory GIS 2,500,000 2,500,000 WECS
database including river networks, water
source area, with the level of vulnerability to
low flow
Activity 8: Develop a long term Bagmati 400,000 400,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,400,000 Academic institutions and
Ecological Monitoring System by involving research organizations
national and international academic
institutions
Activity 9: Establish municipal compost 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 7,500,000 SWMRMC/VDCs/
plants, explore and develop strategies to Municipalities
link with CDM to generate revenues
Activity 10: Ensure IEE/EIA studies for 500,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 100,000 1,200,000 MoEST, NTNC
industries and other construction activities
in and around the rivers
Activity 11: Establish short and long term 200,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 1,000,000,000 SWMRMC
sanitary landfill sites for waste disposal
Activity 12: Promote household and 20,000,000 20,000,000 20,000,000 20,000,000 20,000,000 100,000,000 DWSS/NGOs, NTNC
community level waste management
system including composting with the
involvement of private sector
Table 8.2
Contd...

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 13: Engage private sector for the 1,000,000 500,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 1,800,000 MPPW/DDC/ VDCs/
management of solid waste in Kathmandu Municipalities
Valley
Activity 14: Develop public-private- 30,000,000 30,000,000 20,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 100,000,000 Municipality/ VDCs
partnership for Faecal Sludge Management
System
Activity 15: Ensure the provision of waste 500,000 500,000 500,000 300,000 200,000 2,000,000 VDCs, Municipalities
water treatment system for all commercial
buildings and housing colonies
Activity 16: Plant and protect indigenous 30,000,000 30,000,000 30,000,000 30,000,000 30,000,000 150,000,000 MOF, NGOs/Local Communities
plant species along the river banks
Activity 17: Build capacity of local 3,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 10,000,000 NGOs/Local Communities
communities, public sector organisations
and other stakeholders for implementation
of BAP
Activity 18: Initiate public awareness and 30,000,000 30,000,000 30,000,000 30,000,000 30,000,000 150,000,000 Media/NTN/NGOs
advocacy campaigns for the conservation
of natural resources and river ecosystem
Activity 19: Support guthi traditions for 1,050,000 1,050,000 700,000 350,000 350,000 3,500,000 Guthi Sansthan/NGOs
maintenance and conservation of heritage
sites
Activity 20: Conduct regular research by 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 15,000,000 Universities/NTNC
involving academic institutions
TOTAL 349,720,000 369,350,000 321,940,000 306,210,000 302,280,000 1,649,500,000

55
56
Table 8.3: BUDGET FOR BAGMATI ACTION PLAN ZONE 1

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 1: 1.1 Develop and implement 400,000 300,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 1,000,000 KUKL, MoPPW
Undertake regulatory mechanisms to
various minimize water extraction by
measures to KUKL and commercial water
protect and vendors;
enhance water
1.2 Protect and manage 5,000,000 15,000,000 15,000,000 7,500,000 7,500,000 50,000,000 SNP, DNPWC, NTNC, Local
resources and
wetlands in areas such as Organizations
increase water
Phulchowki and Shivapuri
discharge into
National Park;
the river;
1.3 Construct embankments in 4,400,000 3,300,000 3,300,000 11,000,000 SNP, NTNC, Local
dhap (Shivapuri National Organizations
Park) to increase water
recharging capacity; and
1.4 Implement bioengineering 7,500,000 10,000,000 7,500,000 25,000,000 SNP/MOF/ MPPW, NTNC
works for recharging rivulets
of ShNP
Activity 2: 2.1 Carry out afforestation 6,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 2,000,000 20,000,000 SNP/MOF, NTNC
Undertake programmes in Shivapuri
various watershed and other areas;
measures to
conserve 2.2 Strengthen community 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 20,000,000 SNP/MOF, NTNC
catchment forest user groups;
area and
aquatic 2.3 Control deforestation and 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,500,000 Community Forest User Groups
biodiversity; encroachment of the pubic
lands from grazing,
agriculture, construction
and other commercial
activities;
2.4 Promote sustainable use of 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 12,500,000 VDCs/Local NGOs
renewable energy
resources;
2.5 Prepare and implement 7,000,000 7,000,000 7,000,000 7,000,000 7,000,000 35,000,000 SNP/MOF/ Local Communities
landscape plan of riparian
land to maintain green
corridor;
2.6 Update inventory of existing 1,000,000 750,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 2,500,000 SNP/MOF
aquatic as well as terrestrial
resources and protect
biodiversity; and
2.7 Provide income generating 4,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 500,000 7,500,000 SNP/MOF
opportunities to local
communities in reducing
pressure on forest
Table 8.3
Contd...

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 3: To 3.1 Promote total sanitation 400,000 1,000,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 2,000,000 DWSS/VDC/NGO
maintain and (no open defecation), with
enhance the best available
river water technologies such as
quality ecosan, bio-gas etc.
starting from Sundarijal to
other areas of Zone 1;
3.2 Prevent disposal of solid 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 10,000,000 DWSS/VDC/NGO
waste in and around water
bodies;
3.3 Prevent pollution of river 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,500,000 VDCs/Local NGOs
system from excessive use
of agro-chemicals; and
encourage organic
farming
3.4 Establish systems for 2,880,000 480,000 480,000 480,000 480,000 4,800,000 MOPE/NGOs
regular monitoring of river
water quality twice a year
at eight locations
Activity 4: To 4.1 Prepare restoration plans 600,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 1,000,000 DOA/VDC
renovate and of existing culture and
conserve the heritage sites and
cultural and associated cultural
heritage sites activities; and
4.2 Renovate and conserve 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,500,000 DOA/VDC
temples such as Shivadev
Basaha, Buddha sculpture
and ghats in Sundarijal
Activity 5: To 5.1 Develop and enforce code 1,000,000 1,000,000 VDCs, NTNC
promote of conduct for tourism.
tourism
5.2 Diversify eco-tourism 1,200,000 900,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 3,000,000 VDCs/ Local Communities/
products such as NTNC
adventure sports, bird
watching, sight seeing,
etc.; and
5.3 Designate trekking routes 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 500,000 6,000,000 NTNC/MoTCA
and develop tourism
infrastructure along the
routes.
TOTAL 53,380,000 55,330,000 50,230,000 31,930,000 28,930,000 219,800,000

57
Table 8.4: BUDGET FOR BAGMATI ACTION PLAN 58

ZONE 2

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 1: 1.1 Promote rain water 2,900,000 2,900,000 5,800,000 NTNC/VDC/NGOs
Undertake harvesting at household
various and community level by
measures to constructing soak pits or
enhance through existing wells;
water flow in
1.2 Rehabilitate 17 existing 3,000,000 7,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 15,000,000 VDC/NGOs/MPPW
the river
ponds (Chapagaun 6,
Chhampi 1, Sankhu 5,
Balambu 1, Dadhikot 1 and
Tokha 3) to recharge
groundwater through
rainwater harvesting;
1.3 Minimize water extraction 750,000 750,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 13,500,000 VDC/Local NGOs
with the support of local
community; and
1.4 Develop and implement 4,000,000 4,000,000 12,000,000 12,000,000 12,000,000 44,000,000 MPPW/VDCs
land use plan to regulate
urban growth and
industrial activities
Activity 2: To 2.1 Promote on-site sanitation 12,000,000 12,000,000 3,270,000 2,180,000 1,090,000 30,540,000 DWSS/NGOs
prevent with best available
discharge of technologies such as
waste water ecosan, bio-gas, safety
and solid tank etc.
waste into
rivers 2.2 Construct community 4,360,000 10,900,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 19,260,000 NGOs/VDC
managed DEWATS
demonstration site in
Sankhu; and
2.3 Promote DEWATS in 3,000,000 3,000,000 11,000,000 11,000,000 11,000,000 39,000,000 NGOs/VDC
institutions such as army
and police barracks,
government offices,
schools, colleges, housing
colonies, monasteries and
industries.
Activity 3: To 3.1 Prepare and implement 11,000,000 11,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 25,000,000 VDC/local communities
conserve landscape plan of riparian
aquatic land to maintain green
biodiversity corridor;
and riparian
landscape
Table 8.4
Contd...

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
3.2 Carry out river bed 1,000,000 1,000,000 20,000,000 20,000,000 20,000,000 62,000,000 MoPPW
restoration works such as
check dams at
Sundarijal—Alapot Area,
Changunarayan and
Tokha;
3.3 Carry out bank protection 20,000,000 20,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 43,000,000 DWIDP/DDC/VDCs
works using
bioengineering (61 km
based on survey)
3.4 Introduce fish ladder at 1,500,000 1,500,000 3,000,000 DWIDP/DDC/VDCs

Gokarna barrage;
3.5 Construct access roads/ 10,000,000 150,000,000 150,000,000 150,000,000 150,000,000 610,000,000 DOR
foot trails along both the
banks of the river
3.6 Establish a system for 6,120,000 1,020,000 1,020,000 1,020,000 1,020,000 10,200,000 MOPE/NGOs
water quality twice a year
at 17 locations; and
3.7 Create awareness by 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,500,000 School, Local Organizations
forming eco-clubs
Activity 4: To 4.1 Prepare an inventory of 120,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 200,000 VDC/DOA
renovate and existing heritage sites in
conserve the the zone;
cultural and
4.2 Prepare restoration plans 600,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 1,000,000 DOA/VDC/Municipality
heritage sites
of important heritage sites
and associated cultural
activities; and
4.3 Conserve and restore 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 20,000,000 VDC/DOA
deteriorated temples
(Tokha Chandeshwari and
Gokarna Mahadev)
Activity 5: 5.1 Promote organic farming 1,000,000 1,200,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 800,000 5,500,000 DOA
Promote
5.2 Promote scientific 800,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 800,000 500,000 4,600,000 DOA, DOI
sustainable
drainage system in order
agricultural
to reduce soil erosion from
practices
the field

59
60
Table 8.4
Contd...

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
5.3 Discourage use of 600,000 800,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,900,000 MoAC,DoA, DoPRM
pesticides and chemical
fertilizer
5.4 Introduce an integrated 600,000 800,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,900,000 DoA, DoPRM
pest management system
5.5 Encourage to recycle crop 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 1,500,000 DoA, MOEST
wastage and use
livestocks manure
Activity 6: 800,000 800,000 800,000 800,000 800,000 4,000,000 ShNP/MOF/Local communities
6.1 Prepare and implement
Regulate land use plan
urban growth
and industrial 6.2 Discourage water polluting 300,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 300,000 1,800,000 Media, local organizations
activities and water consuming
industries
6.3 Ensure IEE/EIA studies for 200,000 300,000 500,000 300,000 200,000 1,500,000 MOEST, NTNC
industries and other
construction activities in
and around the river
TOTAL 89,450,000 235,790,000 217,410,000 213,920,000 212,130,000 968,700,000
Table 8.5: BUDGET FOR BAGMATI ACTION PLAN ZONE 3

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 1: To 1.1 Promote rain water 650,000 650,000 1,300,000 VDCs/ NGOs/MPPW, NTNC
improve river harvesting at household and
water quality community levels by
and quantity constructing soak pits or
through proper through existing wells;
management
1.2 Rehabilitate 6 existing 2,000,000 5,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 10,000,000 VDCs/NGOs/ MPPW, NTNC
of water and
ponds (Thecho 3,
waste water
Chapagaon 5, Dhapakhel
1, Jharuwarasi 1 and
Sunakothi 3) to recharge
groundwater through
rainwater harvesting;
1.3 Promote onsite sanitation at 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 5,000,000 DWSS/ VDC/NGOs
household and community
levels through measures
such as septic tanks, fecals
sludge management and
other appropriate
technologies;
1.4 Construct community 500,000,000 450,000,000 250,000,000 250,000,000 250,000,000 1,700,000,000 NGOs/ VDC
managed DEWATS at
various locations such as
Phutung, Sangla, Katunje
and Satungal;
1.5 Promote DEWATS in 3,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 10,000,000 NGOs/ MoEST/VDCs
institutions; such as army
and police barrages,
government offices,
industries
1.6 Construct intercepting 50,000,000 80,000,000 100,000,000 120,000,000 50,000,000 400,000,000 VDC
sewerage system along
both the banks of
the rivers; and
1.7 Promote household and 2,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 500,000 500,000 5,000,000 SWMRMC
community level waste
management system
1.8 Construct septage 3,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 5,000,000 3,000,000 22,000,000 NGO's, VDC's
treatment plants for faecal
sludge management at
locations such as
Bhaktapur, Kirtipur,
Harisiddhi and Bungamati
61
62
Table 8.5
Contd...

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 2: 2.1 Introduce fish ladder 1,500,000 2,250,000 2,250,000 750,000 750,000 7,500,000 DWIDP/DDC/VDCs
Undertake underneath the Seshmati
various Khola bridge of
measures to Dharmasthali VDC;
protect rvier
2.2 Prepare and implement 12,800,000 12,800,000 12,800,000 12,800,000 12,800,000 64,000,000 VDC/local communities, NTNC
side lands,
landscape of riparian land
aquatic
to maintain green corridor;
biodiversity
and aesthetic 2.3 Carry out bank protection 48,000,000 48,000,000 48,000,000 48,000,000 48,000,000 240,000,000 DWIDP/DDC/VDCs
values of rivers works (80 km) using
and its bioengineering technique;
surroundings
2.4 Construct access roads/ 100,000,000 160,000,000 200,000,000 240,000,000 100,000,000 800,000,000 DOR
foot trails along both the
banks of the rivers; and
2.5 Establish a system for 4,320,000 720,000 720,000 720,000 720,000 7,200,000 MOPE/ NGOs
water quality at 12 locations
Activity 3: 3.1 Verification and relocation of 35,760,000 47,680,000 17,880,000 11,920,000 5,960,000 119,200,000 DUDBC/ VDC/NGOs
Control and all squatters from the river
relocate banks
squatter
3.2 Control the encroachment 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,000,000 MoH, Municipalities
settlements
of the river banks by
from the river
squatters
banks
4.1 Prepare an inventory of 120,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 200,000 VDC/DOA
Activity 4:
existing heritage sites;
Conserve and
regenerate 4.2 Prepare restoration plans of 900,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 1,500,000 DOA/VDC
cultural and important heritage sites and
heritage sites associated cultural activities;
and
4.3 Conserve and restore 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 5,000,000 VDC/DOA
deteriorated religious sites
such as Mahalaxmi and
Bishnudevi temples
TOTAL 766,250,000 818,470,000 644,020,000 694,060,000 476,100,000 3,398,900,000
Table 8.6: BUDGET FOR BAGMATI ACTION PLAN
ZONE 4

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 1: To 1.1 Promote rain water 2,900,000 2,900,000 5,800,000 NGOs/ Municipalities/MPPW
improve river harvesting at household
water quantity level by constructing soak
and quality pits or through existing wells;
through proper
1.2 Rehabilitate 32 existing 15,000,000 37,500,000 7,500,000 7,500,000 7,500,000 75,000,000 NGOs/ Municipalities/MPPW
management
ponds (Lalitpur 7,
of water and
Kathmandu 7, Thimi 7,
waste water.
Bhaktapur 6 and Kirtipur 5)
for rainwater harvesting to
recharge groundwater;
1.3 Rehabilitate Kodku WWTP 61,340,000 153,350,000 30,670,000 30,670,000 30,670,000 306,700,000 KUKL/ Municipality
at Balkumari to cater to
waste water from core
Lalitpur area and
Baneshwar based on
FSDED (2003);
1.4 Rehabilitate Hanumante 1,280,000 3,840,000 1,280,000 6,400,000 KUKL/ Municipality

WWTP ;
1.5 Construct additional WWTP 78,000,000 156,000,000 26,000,000 1,030,000 1,030,000 262,060,000 KUKL/Municipality
at Guheshwari and upgrade
the existing WWTPs;
1.6 Construct septage 2,060,000 5,150,000 1,030,000 400,000 400,000 9,040,000 KUKL/Municipality
treatment plant at
HPCIDBC, Guheshwari, for
fecal sludge management;
1.7 Construct DEWATS at 350,000,000 400,000,000 400,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 1,550,000,000 NGO's, Municipalities
Hanumante and Manahara
confluence;
1.8 Rehabilitate Sallaghari 800,000 2,000,000 400,000 45,000,000 45,000,000 93,200,000 KUKL/Municipality
WWTP;
1.9 Rehabilitate and expand 90,000,000 225,000,000 45,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 362,000,000 KUKL/ Municipality
Dhobighat WWTP based on
UN-Habitat (2008);
1.10 Construct DEWATS at Thimi 350,000,000 400,000,000 400,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 1,550,000,000 NGO's, Municipalities
and Kirtipur municipalities;

63
Table 8.6 Contd... 64

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
1.11 Promote DEWATS at 6,000,000 6,000,000 4,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 18,000,000 NGOs/ MOPE/VDCs
institutional levels such as
army and police barrack,
government offices,
industries;
1.12 Construct, repair and 100,000,000 100,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 100,000,000 700,000,000 KUKL, Municipalities
manage intercepting
sewerage system a l o n g
both the banks of the rivers
1.13 Construct waste water 50,000,000 80,000,000 100,000,000 120,000,000 50,000,000 400,000,000 VDC/Municipalities
treatment plants with best
available technology at two
sites of Bagmati river and
one site each of Bishnumati
and Dhobikhola as
demonstration plants
1.14 Promote on-site sanitation 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 7,000,000 DWSS/ Municipalities/NGOs
at household and
community levels through
measures such as septic
tanks;
1.15 Establish fecal sludge 30,000,000 50,000,000 80,000,000 80,000,000 30,000,000 270,000,000 VDC/Municipalities/NGO's
management systems; and
1.16 Establish a system for 7,200,000 1,200,000 1,200,000 1,200,000 1,200,000 12,000,000 MOEST/Municiapalities, NGO's
water quality twice a year at
20 locations
Activity 2: Take 2.1 Prepare and implement 6,000,000 6,000,000 6,000,000 6,000,000 6,000,000 30,000,000 Municipality/local communities,
measures to landscape of riparian land NTNC
protect river to maintain green corridor;
side land,
2.2 Carry out bank protection 10,500,000 10,500,000 10,500,000 10,500,000 10,500,000 52,500,000 DDC/Municipality/DWIDP
aquatic
works (70 km) using
biodiversity
bioengineering technique;
and aesthetic
value of rivers 2.3 Construct access roads/ 100,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 100,000,000 800,000,000 DOR
and their foot trails along both the
surroundings banks of the rivers ensuring
conservation of existing
ghats and heritage sites;
Table 8.6 Contd...

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
2.4 Initiate plantation at riparian 16,000,000 16,000,000 16,000,000 16,000,000 16,000,000 80,000,000 NGO's, NTNC
land at Sankhamul, Pachali
Bhairab, confluence of
Bagmati—Bishnumati and
Sundarighat; and
2.5 Construct municipal 8,000,000 24,000,000 8,000,000 40,000,000 Municipality/NGO

composting plants targeted
to Kalimati vegetable market
and Teku fruit market
Activity 3: 3.1 Verify and relocate the 74,160,000 98,880,000 37,080,000 24,720,000 12,360,000 247,200,000 DUDBC/Municipality/NGO
Control and squatters from the river
relocate banks;
squatter Control encroachment of 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,500,000 MoH,Municipalities
3.2
settlements the river banks by squatter
from the river and others
banks
Activity 4: 4.1 Update the inventory of 600,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 1,000,000 DoA/Municipalities
Maintain and existing heritage sites;
renovate
heritage sites 4.2 Prepare restoration plans of 1,800,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 3,000,000 DoA/Municipalities
important heritage sites and
associated cultural activities;
and
4.3 Conserve and regenerate 10,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 50,000,000 DoA/Municipalities
deteriorated temples
(Bombir Bikateshwar,
Bishnu Bikranta, Bhim
Mukteshwar, Laxmiswar)
and sattals and ghats in
Sankhamul, Teku, Dallu and
Shobha Bhagwati.
5.1 Rehabilitate public space 4,217,600 4,217,600 4,217,600 4,217,600 4,217,600 21,088,000 DoA/Municipalities
Activity 5: To
along Teku—Thapathali
promote
stretch as recommended by
tourism
the Teku Thapathali
Research Group (1994) and
promote the area for tourism
development
TOTAL 1,377,357,600 1,994,437,600 1,590,777,600 1,162,137,600 829,777,600 6,954,488,000

65
66
Table 8.7: BUDGET FOR BAGMATI ACTION PLAN
ZONE 5

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 1: To 1.1 Promote on-site sanitation 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 10,000,000 DWSS/VDC/NGO
improve river including ecosan;
water quantity
1.2 Construct DEWATS at 9,537,000 23,842,500 7,152,750 4,768,500 2,384,250 47,685,000 NGO
and quality
Sainbu;
through proper
management 1.3 Promote DEWATS at 3,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 10,000,000 VDCs/NGO
of water and institutional levels such as
waste water army and police barracks,
government offices,
colonies, monastries and
industries;
1.4 Rehabilitate existing ponds 1,300,000 3,250,000 650,000 650,000 650,000 6,500,000 NGOs/VDCs/MPPW
(Khokana 2 and Bungmati
5) for rainwater harvesting
to recharge ground water;
1.5 Construct intercepting 100,000,000 100,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 100,000,000 700,000,000 KUKL, Municipalities
sewerage system at certain
areas; and
1.6 Establish a system for 720,000 120,000 120,000 120,000 120,000 1,200,000 MoEST/VDCs/NGOs
water quality at 4 locations
Activity 2: To 2.1 Design and implement weirs 510,000 1,190,000 1,700,000 DWIDP
improve the in the river bed to facilitate
self-purification aeration; and
process of the
river 2.2 Construct floating waste 300,000 700,000 1,000,000 DWIDP
collection ponds
downstream of Chobhar
gorge
Activity 3: Prepare and implement 6,000,000 6,000,000 6,000,000 6,000,000 6,000,000 30,000,000 VDCs/local communities
3.1
Undertake landscape plan of riparian
various land to maintain green
measures to corridor;
protect river
side land, 3.2 Carry out bank protection 43,800,000 43,800,000 43,800,000 43,800,000 43,800,000 219,000,000 DWIDP/DDC/VDCs
aquatic measures (70 km) using
biodiversity bioengineering technique;
and aesthetic and
value of rivers Construct access roads/ 100,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000 100,000,000 800,000,000 DoR
3.3
and their foot trails along both the
surroundings banks of the river
Table 8.7: Contd...

FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Activity 4: 4.1 Prepare an inventory of 120,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 200,000 VDC/DOA
Maintain and existing heritage sites;
renovate the
4.2 Prepare restoration plans of 600,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 1,000,000 DoA/VDCs
cultural and
existing heritage sites and
heritage sites
associated cultural activities;
4.3 Conserve and regenerate 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,500,000 VDC/DoA
temples in Jal Binayak and
Katuwal daha
Activity 5: 5.1 Construct trails for bird 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 2,000,000 NGOs/local communities ,
Promote watching; NTNC
tourism and
5.2 Develop and promote the 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 2,000,000 NGOs/local communities,
recreation
area for recreation; and NTNC
5.3 Construct picnic spots 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,500,000 NGOs/local communities, NTNC
TOTAL 269,687,000 385,822,500 463,642,750 460,258,500 257,874,250 1,837,285,000

67
© Siddhartha/NTNC
69

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49. xfd|f] afudtL ;+:s[lt–dbgdf]xg ld>

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63. jftfj/0f sfg"gsf] ?k/]vf, ljgf]bk|;fb zdf{
74
64. Functional indicators of river ecosystem health –an interim guide for use in New Zealand by Ministry for the Environment - Sustainable
Management Fund Contract 2208
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Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
And Massachusetts Cooperative Extension, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
66. How to know the freshwater algae, Third Edition, G.W. Prescott, University of Montana, The Pictured Key Nature Series
67. Water harvesting Presents Great Potential for Increasing Agricultural and Fodder Crop
68. Production in Baluchistan by Syed Ghulam Muhammad
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70. Wastewater as a controversial, contaminated yet coveted resource in south Asia
71. Population pressure and land resources in Nepal: a revisit, twenty years later
72. Rural water supply and water quality status in Nepal
73. Surface Water Pollution in Three Urban Territories of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh
74. Integrated Development and Management of Water resources for productive and Equitable use in the Indrawati River Basin, Nepal,
Bhattarai, M. et. al.
75. Integrated catchment management in an urban context the great and little lotus rivers, cape town report no. 846/1/01
76. Project Report on “An Approach for Bagmati River Water Pollution Control”
Models reviewed
Yamuna Action Plan
Ganga Action Plan
Hood River Watershed Management Plan
Sammamish River Action Plan
Manistique River Management Plan
Yarra water shed management, Melbourne
Fraser River Action Plan
Carbunup River Action Plan
River front Development Master plan, City of Fargo
Om River Action Plan, Hungary
Mekong River Basin, AUSAID
Danube river basin, strategic action plan
Rhine river action plan
The Fu and Nan Rivers project, Chengdu, China
Annex 1 75

Stakeholders working in the field of Bagmati conservation
S.N. Name Address/contact person Key functions/activities
1. Bagmati Sarokar Samiti 27 local committees are formed

along the Bagmati river from Mobilise community level activities to conserve the
Sundarijal to Chobhar (each in one river and lobby for improvement of the Bagmati river
kilometre)
2. Bagmati Sewa Samiti Sankhamul, Lalitpur Involved in conserving the heritage sites along
Bagmati, particularly in Sankhamul area and
providing service to people who come to the ghats
3. Bishnumati Sarokar Samiti Tamsipakha, Ward No. 18, Recently formed to coordinate activities along the
Kathmandu Bishnumati river. Clean-up campaigns from Balaju
to Teku Dovan
4. Centre for Integrated Urban Involved in supporting urban planning and

Development (CIUD) Gusingal, Lalitpur community-based water and sanitation
programmes. Recently prepared a wastewater
management plan for Madhyapur Thimi
Municipality
5. Damaichaghat Puspalal Tole Ward No. 19, Kathmandu Clean-up campaigns and tree plantation along the
Sudhar Samiti Bishnumati River
6. Development Centre (DC) Aditi Marg, Tinkune, Kathmandu Promoting ecological sanitation and solid waste
Nepal management in Mulpani, Gokarna, Bungamati and
Badikhel
7. Didi Bahini Anamnagar, Kathmandu Involved in a small Water and Sanitation project in
wards 7 and 8 (Dalit Basti) of Alapot VDC, funded
by Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Fund Board
Jwagal, Lalitpur Recently implemented KAPRIMO project with
8. Environmental Camps for
Conservation Awareness support from EU. The project included:
(ECCA) y Legal analysis and recommendation concerning
environmental regulations/responsibilities
y River monitoring and GIS training
y Implementation of the river monitoring system in
two segments
y Awareness raising activities
y Create and develop a network and information
system on river quality
9. Environment and Public Health Adarsha Marg, Baneshwor, Monitoring river water quality
Organisation (ENPHO) Kathmandu Community based sanitation in peri urban
communities
Training on household composting and solid waste
management
Promotion of decentralized waste water
management
Developing a project together with BORDA for
decentralized sanitation
10. Friends of Bagmati Hotel Dwarika’s Signed an agreement with BASP to manage 1 km
stretch of Bagmati below Jorpati bridge
Gautam Buddha Marg, Awareness raising programmes

11. Forum for Protection of Public Involved in promoting environmental justice and
Interest (ProPublic) Anamnagar Public Interest Litigation. Have filed the following
legal cases related to Bagmati:
y Cases against solid waste dumping along
Bagmati (Guheshwari, Gokarna and Balkhu)
y Case against construction of 20 metre road
along the Bagmati river without preserving
archaeological monuments
y Case against decision to construction of UN
Park in the Bagmati river bed
76
SN Name Address/contact person Key functions/activities
12. Indrabinayak Club Ina Tole, Kathmandu Clean-up campaigns and tree plantation along the
Bishnumati river
13. Kathmandu Environmental Thamel, Kathmandu Involved in occasional education and clean up
Education Project (KEEP) campaigns
14. Kathmandu Tole Sudhar Samaj Ward No. 19, Kathmandu Clean-up campaigns
15. Khadgi Sewa Samaj Indrasabha Tole, kathmandu Recently constructed a large bio-gas plant, with
support from World Vision and Kathmandu
Metropolitan City, along the Bishnumati river to
process waste from slaughtering activities
16. Lions Club of Pashupatinath Lobbying for environmental improvement in

Pashupati area and establishment of a
crematorium at Aryaghat
17. Lumanti Tahachal, Kathmandu Working with slum and squatter communities,
many of which are located along the Bagmati,
Bishnumati and Manahara rivers
18. Narayan Pariwar Club Wande Involved in mobilising local youths for the
Ward No. 12, Kathmandu conservation of Bishnumati river
19. National Trust for Nature Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Involved in preparing Bagmati Action Plan and pilot
Conservation (NTNC) projects for conservation of Bagmati
20. Nepal Basobas Basti Sankhamul, Kathmandu Advocacy for welfare of squatter communities
Samrakchhan Samaj
21. Nepal Mahila Ekta Samaj Advocacy for welfare of squatter communities,
particularly women
22. Nepal Pollution Control and Ekantakuna, Lalitpur Collecting waste from about 12,000 households.
Environment Management Operating small scale compost plants in Ward 5
Centre (NEPCEMAC) Kathmandu and Central Zoo
Involved in promoting household composting and
vermi-composting, as well as regular clean-up
campaigns
23. Nepal River Conservation Trust Thamel, Kathmandu Organised the annual Bagmati River Festival since
(NRCT) 2001; festival activities include clean-up
campaigns; sporting events (Dunga Daud, Bagmati
Eco-Challenge); exhibitions, heritage walks, music
concerts, award ceremony, etc.
24. Nepal Forum for Environmental Thapathali, Kathmandu Environmental programmes on Radio Sagarmatha
Journalists (NEFEJ)
Aankhi Jhyaal Television Programme
Hakahaki Magazine
Regular interaction programmes for journalists
25. NGO Forum for Urban Water Tripureshwor, Kathmandu Involved in lobbying for urban water and sanitation
and Sanitation issues
26. Nodan Club Basantapur, Kathmandu Organises cultural tours for youth as well as clean
up campaigns
27. Rotary Club of Yala Mangal Bazar, Lalitpur Contributing towards the conservation of
Shankhamul ghat
28. Sagarmatha Environment Ratopul, kathmandu Collecting waste from households; operating a
Development Centre (SEDC) small compost plant along the Dhobikhola river at
Ratopul
77

SN Name Address/contact person Key functions/activities
29. Urban Environment Saugal, Lalitpur Improvement of well and other traditional water
Management Society sources; promotion of household composting
30. Women Environment Group Kopundole, Lalitpur Waste collection from 300 households;
(WEG)
involved in river clean-up campaigns
31. Women Environment Kopundole, Lalitpur, Nepal Involved in solid waste management (waste
Preservation Committee collection from 1,000 households, composting, bio-
(WEPCO) gas generation and paper recycling). Also involved
in school education programmes in 43 schools and
other activities related to awareness campaigns.
Annex II Annex III

List of community consultations
Field survey to various sites
1. Visit to Okhreni, Chilaune, Mulkharka of Shivapuri National Park;
1. Badikhel: Kodku khola
Bagmati watershed
2. Balkhu: Balkhu river
2. Visit to Bishnumati dwar—Bishnumati, Sangla and Manahara
3. Bungmati, Lalitpur: Nakkhu river
rivers; Sankhu
4. Chapagaun: Nakkhu river
3. Visit to Sundarijal—Gokarna corridor
5. Chhampi Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, Chhampi
4. Cultural walk along Bishnumati and Bagmati rivers (Shobha
6. Chilaune Gaun, Sundarijal:Bagmati river
Bhagwati—Gokarna)
7. Ghattekulo Sudhar Samaj, Anamnagar: Dhobikhola
5. Visit to waste water treatment plants of the Kathmandu Valley
8. Gundu: Hanumante
6. Visit to ICIMOD demonstration site, Godavari
9. HEMS School, Ratopul: Dhobikhola
7. Visit to different sites, viz., Teku, Sundarighat, Sankhamul and
10. Inatole, Bishnumati river
Chobhar for reorganisation of plantation sites
11. Jagat Sundar Bonekuthi, Dallu: Bishnumati river
8. Visit to different mining sites of the Kathmandu Valley
12. Mulpani: Manahara river
9. Visit to different river stretches of the Kathmandu Valley, viz.,
13. Nayapati/Alapot, Sundarijal community: Bagmati
Bagmati, Bishnumati, Manahara, Hanumante, Dhobikhola,
14. NEPCEMAC, Ekantakuna: Nakkhu
Godavari, Nakkhu, Balkhu, Sangla, Mahadev Khola, Tukucha and
15. Okhreni, Sundarijal: Bagmati
Karmanasa
16. Satungal, Matatirtha: Balkhu river
10. Visit from Chobhar to the confluence of Bosan Khola to learn the
17. Siddhipur: Godavari river
existing condition towards the downstream and to survey local
18. Sundarighat: Bagmati river
and migratory birds of the area
19. Teku: Bagmati and Bishnumati
11. Visit to Katuwal daha
20. WEPCO, Kupondole: Bagmati river
12. Visit to different water diversion sites for hydrological surveys
such as Godamchaur, Tika Bhairab and Sangla chhap
13. Visit to the Dhap to know the possibility of water recharge area
during dry season and the condition of the wetland
78
Annex IV
List of squatters in different river segments

Bagmati river and its tributaries Name of squatters Number of households Population
Bagamati river Shantinagar 360 1,632

Bijaynagar 25 118
Jagritinagar 120 462
Gairigaun 46 207
Chandani Tole 48 222
Pragati Tole 11 56
Kalimati Dole 16 67
Bansighat 96 486
Kuriyagaun 10 46
Sankhamul 105 503
Kimal Phant 26 104
Bishnumati river Dhikure Chouki 26 112
Kumaristhan, Buddhajyoti Marga 73 320
Balaju Jagriti Tole 126 691
Sangam Tole 36 214
Ranibari 45 227
Tukucha Narayan Tole, Maharajgunj 30 108
Khadipakha, Maharajgunj 146 735
Dhobikhola Shanti Binayak 42 192
Devinagar 32 129
Bishalnagar 37 178
Kalopul 6 20
Pathibhara 154 728
Hanumante river Manahara, Bhaktapur 589 2,422
Other locations Palpakot 30 158
Anamnagar 17 79
Maijubahal 25 152
Kumarigal 11 52
Radhakrishna Chowk 16 97
Mulpani 12 60
Kapan, Dhungen 13 63
Subigaun 34 200
Ramhiti 122 668
Mahankal 15 77
Dhumbarahi, Sukedhara 14 69
Mandikhatar 78 362
Golfutar 24 123
Saranpur, Budhanilkantha 80 373
Hattigauda 6 33
Khadka Bhadrakali 33 181
Total 2,735 12,726

79

Annex V Annex VI
Discharge of surface water during wet Different bird species observed during
and dry seasons the field visits
Location Surface water (m3/day) Total SN Name Scientific Name
Wet season Dry season 1. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus

2. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Balaju 8,230 3,000 11,230
3. Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus
Bansbari 3,000 3,000
4. Black Kite Milvus migrans
Bir Dhara 4,600 9,000 13,600
5. Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca
Sundarijal 46,000 18,000 64,000
6. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Saibu 18,000 1,250 19,250
7. Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnus malabaricus
Dudh Pokhari 2,900 1,980 4,880
8. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
Chapagaun, Nallu 5,400 2,700 8,100
9. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Sundarighat 3,000 2,500 5,500
10. Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus
Lunkot 500 200 700
11. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Mahadev Khola 4,320 2,500 6,820
12. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Thini Bada 4,320 2,500 6,820
13. Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus
Source: Shivapuri Management plan, 1995
14. Hodgson’s Bushchat Saxicola insignis
15. House Crow Corvus splendens
16. House Sparrow Passer domesticus
17. Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii
18. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
19. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
20. Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis
21. Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata
22. Red Avadavat Amandava amandava
23. Red-Rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica
24. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
25. Rock Pigeon Columba livia
26. Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma
27. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
28. White Wagtail Motacilla alba
29. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnesis
80
Annex VII
Cultural and heritage sites at risk along the Bagmati river
Shivadev Basaha and Buddha Sculpture, Sattal beside VDC office is in poor state and another similar type is
Taglung in Budhanilkantha dismantled. Sattal along the ghat built by Bhimsen Thapa is
maintained and is in use whereas the ghats in front of the sattals are
Shivadev Basaha is located at Bishnu Budhanikantha VDC. It includes covered with vegetation. This area is not only important from cultural
the earliest inscription of Nepal, dating back to 4th/5th century. The point of view but also important from ritual perspective. Most of the
shivalinga is said to be built in the reign of King Mandev. At present, people visit this place during Father’s Day in memory of their late
the shivalinga is in vulnerable condition due to construction of new father.
houses in the premises. A traditional pati existed there before but
new construction made it extinct. Hence, there is urgent need of Changunarayan Temple along Manahara
attention and awareness. river
Budha Sculpture is located to the east of Budhanilkantha, in the It is one of the seven heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley.
upstream of Dhobikhola. It lies in an open field, in isolation. Its Religiously and culturally significant temple, its structures and doors
history dates back to 5th/6th century. Immediate works for its are in dilapidated state. Hence, it should be preserved.
conservation is required.
Shankha Daha, south of Changu Narayan
Ghats in Sundarijal Temple
The ghats are symbols of culture. Today, with the change in lifestyle, It is one of the important components of Changunarayan premises.
the rituals associated with ghats are eroding fast and have been It is in ruined state at present because of landslide and sand mining
encroached and used for various other purposes. In Sundarijal, the in the Manahara river.
ghats have been covered with vegetation. New ghat is built slightly
downward and used by the people due to unfeasible to utilize the Mahalaxmi Temple, Balambu
previous ghat. Documentation of all the monuments and temples of
the area are necessary and steps should be taken to conserve the Ancient Shiva sculpture and pati are found in the temple complex.
ghats. The heritage site is deteriorating and is at risk. There is also a small
primary school located in the premises. Hence, the norms of the
Tokha Chandeswari Department of Architecture should be strictly followed to save this
historical temple. The pati near the temple is awaiting renovation.
Tokha Chandeswari is a historically important temple and is popular
in the Newar community. As the old temple was totally dismantled, Vishnudevi Temple, Tinthana
a new monument has been constructed. The confluence where the
temple is located is known as Sapan Tirtha. Festival occurs on 1st The shrine is placed at the confluence of Balkhu khola and a small
Baishak in this tirtha. stream. It consists of an open stone platform with patis and trees.
The open pit contains natural stone images of the Astamatrikas and
Temples, sattals and ghats near two carved stone images of Sinhini and Byagrihini. The images are
Gokarneswar Mahadev severely deteriorated. This holy shrine is now used a cremation site.
Some temples located near Gokarneshwar Mahadev temple in Mahadevsthan Naikap, a relatively new shrine, is built on the other
Gokarna are inaccessible, as surrounding lands have been encroached. side of Balkhu Khola. It contains an image of the Ichcha Brinkeshwar
The artefacts of these temples are either already lost or if remain is Mahadev, in the form of a four-faced linga dating back to the 6th
not in its original place. Most of the small artifacts are gather together century. Other stone images of Saraswati, Uma Maheshwar,
and kept at a corner. Another example is the temple being encroached shivalingas, stone lion, etc. are also present.
by new construction and used as a store.
81

People throng to this place for worship, particularly during Shivaratri been changed thus completeley losing its ancient ambience.
and Sripanchami, and Satungal Jatra, which is held every year.
Purneshwar Temple, Tripureshwar
Bombirbikateswor Mahadev of Teku
This temple is located in Tripureshwar on the way to Vishwa Niketan
th
This temple, built during the middle of 19 century by prime minister Campus. Constructed during Rana Bahadur Shah’s period, the original
Bom Bahadur Kunwar Rana, has a unique architecture. Having a architecture of this temple has been changed and restored in new
rectangular plan with eight doorways, it has a single sanctum with form. This kind of work needs legal permission from the Department
three towers. It is surrounded by two-storey buildings (sattals) on all of Archaeology and hence the offender should be punished according
sides. At present, the temple is on the verge of collapse. The temple to the Ancient Monument Preservation Act.
and its complex is owned by guthi.
The Statue of God Bishnu
Ping dyo
This statue is located in between Purneshwar temple and Vishwa
This site is located near the Modern Indian School in Kirtipur. It is the Niketan Campus, Tripureshwar. The statue is important as it has
platform where Kalash is put bringing water from river for bath to different reincarnation of God Bishnu. Currently, it is in neglected
Adinath, one of the important Lokeshwars (Rato Machhindranath). state and hence needs immediate protection.
Adinath is said to be dated in fifteenth century but according to an
inscription, it was reconstructed in 1640. The site of ping dyo is in a Patis of Dallu bridge and Shobha
poor state, and preservation and awareness activities should be Bhagwati
carried out.
The patis along the surroundings of Kankeshwari and Shobha
Vishnu Vikranta sculpture of Tilganga Bhagwati temples have been changed over time. The patis are either
in a dilapidated condition or has been changed using different modern
The sculpture of Vishnu Vikranta is located near Tilganga, construction materials. Similarly, many areas are encroached and
Pashupatinath. It has King Mandev’s inscription dating back to 5th the statues of gods and goddesses are stolen.
century. In today’s context, this sculpture is in an isolated place. It is
situated below the road level and has nothing to protect against the
weather conditions. It is one of the earliest inscriptions available
and hence steps should be taken to preserve the sculpture as well as
the inscription.
Bhim Mukteshwar Temple

This two-storey temple, built by Mathavar Singh Thapa in memory
of Bhimsen Thapa, has been built of brick with dome and gajura on
its top. The temple, although situated at the heart of the city in
Kalimati, is unknown to majority of the people. The main entrance
and the sattals surrounding the temple are on the verge of collapse.
Sattal of Laxmishwar Temple

Laxmishwar Mahadev temple was built in the middle of a paved
© BAP Study Team
courtyard on the bank of the Bagmati river. It is a three-storey

temple constructed by King Rana Bahadur Shah and is surrounded by
sattals with some well carved windows. The sattals are under the
dilapidated condition and is awaiting renovation.
An example of heritage in danger can be seen in the pati in

Kankeshwari premises. The pati, with medieval architecture, has
82
Annex VIII (a)

Physical features of zones
Zone/Physical features Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5

Altitude (m) 2720—980 2080—1310 1620—1280 2020—1260 1760—1220
Total area Built up area 0.94 5.5 19.33 61.81 1.4
covered (sq.km) Cultivated land 92.64 73.49 71.69 28.63 22.22
Cultivated with settlement 29.13 40 15.85 1.72 3.04
Park and greenery area 0.07 0.24 0.29 0.98 1.9
Vegetation (Forest) 204.37 8.71 7.26 4.76 0.92
Water body (ponds) 0.75 0.43 0.9 2.16
Oxidation and treatment plant 0.28
Human settlements Population 50,719 231,337 283,499 995,966 34,687
Population density 1570 sq.km 1542sq.km 2512sq.km 9912 sq.km 1179 sq.km
Major river networks Sailmati, Suryamati Manahara, Nakhu, Bosan
Nagmati Khola Dobikhola,
Tukucha,
Bishnumati,
Balkhu
Zone/Physical features Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5
Urbanization urbanization Slighty urbanized Moderately Dominant of built-up comparatively less

comparatively urbanized area than Zone 4
negligible
Cultural Heritage Sundarimai, Changunarayan, Ashok Chaitya, Pashupati, Jalbinayak,
Mahalaxmi temple, Sankhamul, Karyabinayak,
Sankhu Bajrayogini, Gokarneswar
Bishnudevi, Thapathali-Teku Anangaghat,
Mahadev,
Tika Bhairab, Bajrabarahi, stretch, Kankeswor, Sundarighat
Dakshinkali, Uttar Gaya, Karyabinayak, Shovabhagwati,
Sheshnarayan, Harisiddhi Pachali, Bhatbateni,
Budhanilkantha, Nil Saraswati, Tudal
Champadevi,
Machhenarayan, Devi, Bagh Bhairab
Godavari Kunda,
Bishankhunarayan,
Ichangunarayan
Kageshwari, Neel
Bode, Matatirtha
83

Annex VIII (b)
Physical features of zones (List of VDCs and Municipalities)
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5
Bad Bhanjyang (partial) Alapot Balambu (partial) Kathmandu Bungmati

Balkot Meteropolitan City
Badikhel (partial) Bad Bhanjyang (partial) Chalnakhel (partial)
Chhaling (partial) Madhyapur Thimi
Bageshwari Badikhel (partial) Chhampi (partial)
Municipality
Baluwa (partial) Balambu (partial) Chitapol (partial) Daksinkali
Lalitpur Sub-
Bhardeu Baluwa (partial) Chunikhel (partial) metropolitan City Dukuchhap (partial)
Bhimdhunga (partial) Bhadrabas Dadhikot (partial) Bhaktapur Municipality Khokana
Bishankhunarayan (partial) Bhimdhunga (partial) Dhapakhel (partial) Kirtipur Municipality Sainbu Bhainsepati
Bishnu Budhanilkantha Bishankhunarayan (partial) Dhapasi Saukhel (partial)
(partial) Dharmasthali (partial)
Bishnu Budhanilkantha
Chalnakhel (partial) (partial) Duwakot
Chapagau (partial) Changunarayan Godamchaur (partial)
Chapali Bhadrakali (partial) Chapagaun Goldhunga (partial)
Chhaimale Chapali bhadrakali (partial) Gongabu
Chhaling (partial) Chhaling (partial) Gothatar (partial)
Chitapol (partial) Chhampi (partial) Harisiddhi
Dahachok (partial) Chitapol (partial) Ichangunarayan (partial)
Devichaur Chunikhel (partial) Imadol
Gagalphedi (partial) Dadhikot (partial) Jharuwarasi
Ghusel Dahachok (partial) Jhaukhel
Godavari (partial) Dharmasthali (partial) Jorpati
Goldhunga (partial) Dukuchhap (partial) Kabhresthali (partial)
Gundu (partial) Gagalphedi (partial) Kapan
Ichangu narayan (partial) Godamchaur (partial) Katunje (partial)
Jhor (partial) Godawari (partial) Khadka Bhadrakali
Jitpurphedi (partial) Gokarneshwar Machchhegaun (partial)
Kabhresthali (partial) Goldhunga (partial) Mahankal
Lamatar (partial) Gundu (partial) Manamaiju
Lapsiphedi Ichangunarayan (partial) Mulpani
Lele Indrayani Naikap Naya Bhanjyang
Lubhu (partial) Jhor (partial) Naikap Purano Bhanjyang
Machchhegaun (partial) Jitpurphedi (partial) Nangkhel (partial)
Mahadevsthan (partial) Kabhresthali (partial) Phutung
Matatirtha (partial) Lamatar (partial) Ramkot (partial)
Nagarkot Lubhu (partial) Sangla (partial)
Nallu Machchhegaun (partial) Satungal
Nangkhel (partial) Mahadevsthan (partial) Siddhipur
84
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5
Nanglebhare Matatirtha (partial) Sipadol (partial)
Nayapati (partial) Nangkhel (partial) Sirutar (partial)
Ramkot (partial) Nayapati (partial) Sitapaila
Sangla (partial) Ramkot (partial) Sudal (partial)
Sankhu pukhulachhi Sangla (partial) Sunakothi

(partial) Syuchatar
Sankhu pukhulachhi
Sankhu suntol Tathali (partial)
Sankhu Bajrayogini
Sankhu Bajrayogini (partial) Thaiba (partial)
Sipadol (partial)
Saukhel (partial) Thecho
Sirutar (partial)
Shesnarayan Tikathali
Sudal (partial)
Sipadol (partial) Tinthana
Tathali (partial)
Sudal (partial) Tokha Chandeshwari
Thaiba (partial)
Sundarijal (partial) (partial)
Thali danchhi
Talku dudechaur Tokha Saraswati
Thankot (partial)
Tathali (partial)
Tokha chandeshwari
Thankot (Partial) (partial)
85
Annex IX
Bagmati River Festivals
The Bagmati river festival was started in 2001 to provide a platform

for all interested individuals and organizations to express their
concerns and provide solutions to overcome the plight of the river.
The festival comprises several events, including clean-up campaign,
© Siddhartha/NTNC
tree plantation programme, heritage walk, rafting, dunga daud,
corporate challenge, poetry, drama, essay and photography
competition at school levels, Bagmati eco challenge, training on
waste management to several groups of women living along the
bank of the Bishnumati/Bagmati river, school student’s kayak race,
professional down river kayak race, Bagmati friendship float,
student’s theatre programme, technical workshop on Bagmati/ Celebration of the Bagmati River Festival
Bishnumati river, sharing scientific findings about the river, public
exhibition on various activities done by partner organisations,
Bagmati conservation campaigns and rallies, anti-plastic campaigns,
4th Bagmati River Festival: In association with over 50 co-
organisers, NRCT took the Bagmati river festival in 2004 to greater
women for Bagmati cycle rally, exhibition of environmental models
heights. From a one-day festival the previous three years to a three-
prepared by the students of high school, live music concerts, etc.
month long 4th Bagmati river festival was a big leap. Starting from
the World Environment Day on June 5, the festival ended with a
1st Bagmati River Festival: Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT),
kayak race and cultural programme on August 21, 2004. Over 50
in partnership with Friends of the Bagmati (FoB), organised the 1st
river guides and rafting enthusiasts, environmentalists, tourists,
Bagmati River Festival, a project that attempted to draw maximum
journalists, school, college, university students, corporate houses
public attention to the critically degraded condition of the Bagmati
and hundreds of local people participated in the festival creating the
river, and provide a platform for action.
much needed awareness about the dismal state of the Bagmati
river.
2nd Bagmati River Festival: NRCT and FoB jointly organised the
2nd Bagmati River Festival 2002. The festival was supported by All
5th Bagmati River Festival: The World Environment Day was
Nepal River Guide Association, Bagmati Sewa Samiti and Rotary
the auspicious occasion chosen to inaugurate the 5th festival.
Club Yala and was promoted by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The
More than 100 participants from several schools, colleges, locals
festival was basically divided into three sessions: kayak race from
and journalists gave hands to whip up the rubbish from the
Sundarijal to Guheshwari; rafting from Tilganga to Shankamul; and
heavily polluted Bagmati river. The Bagmati clean-up campaign
environmental/schools/music programme at Shankamul.
was from the Aryaghat-Pashupatinath to the Tilganga Eye
Hospital stretch. Series of conservation programmes, clean-up
3rd Bagmati River Festival: NRCT in association with the Forum
campaigns, river rafting, kayaking, etc. were organised
for Management and Research Nepal (FERN), organised the 3rd
throughout the festival.
Bagmati river festival on August 23, 2003. Over 25 river guides and
more than 100 rafting enthusiasts, environmentalists, tourists,
6th Bagmati River Festival: NRCT, Sustainable Tourism Network
journalists and satirists donned face masks and traveled through a
(STN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) jointly organised the festival
section of Bagmati river. The excursion was aimed at drawing the
awareness raising programmes. In 2006, NRCT added some new
attention of the river’s sorry state, and urged the community and
programmes like fund raising concerts and started its course from
government to take immediate actions.
2nd June 2006.
© NTNC
BAGMATI ACTION PLAN
(2009–2014)
PROJECT HEAD
STUDY TEAM
Astra Development Network, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu
Geospatial Systems Private Limited, Pulchwok, Lalitpur
Innovative Solutions Private Limited, Chakupat, Lalitpur
EDITORIAL TEAM
Mahesh Banskota, PhD
Prof. Pramod K. Jha
Kishore Thapa
Deependra Joshi (Editor)
Ratna Raj Timsina
CONTRIBUTORS
Mahesh Bahadur Basnet, Chairman, HPCIDBC
Krishna KC, Former Chairman, HPCIDBC
Anil Bhadra Khanal, Project Manager,HPCIDBC
Subrato Sinha, PhD (UNEP/ROAP)
Richard Luff (UNICEF Nepal)
Dipak Gyawali, Nepal Water Conservation Foundation, Kathmandu
Roshan Raj Shrestha, PhD, UN-Habitat, Nepal
Ngamindra Dahal, NTNC
EPLC/UNEP, South Korea
Local stakeholders and communities of Bagmati catchment area
NTNC Team
Published by : High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization
and National Trust for Nature Conservation
© 2009 Government of Nepal & National Trust for Nature Conservation

ISBN No: 978-993933933-702-8-4
Citation: GoN/NTNC (2009) Bagmati Action Plan (2009–2014). Kathmandu, Nepal.
Photos: Dr. Siddhartha B. Bajracharya, National Trust for Nature Conservation

Cover Photo: Dhap Area, Shivapuri National Park
Layout & Desing: Ultimate Marketing Pvt. Ltd., 4352223, 4385610

Bagmati Action Plan (2009-2014)

P.O. Box 3712, Khumaltar, Lalitpur , Nepal
Tel: 977-1-5526571,5526573
Fax: 977-1-5526570
Website: www.ntnc.org.np

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Bagmati Action Plan

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Bagmati Action Plan (2009-2014)

National Trust for Nature Conservation

© 2009 Government of Nepal & National Trust for Nature Conservation

ISBN No: 978-993933933-702-8-4

Citation: GoN/NTNC (2009) Bagmati Action Plan (2009–2014). Kathmandu, Nepal.

Photos: Dr. Siddhartha B. Bajracharya, National Trust for Nature Conservation

Layout & Desing: Ultimate Marketing Pvt. Ltd., 4352223, 4385610

National Trust for Nature Conservation

United Nations Environment Programme (RRC AP)

Right Honourable Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

Honourable Mr. Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar

Hon. Deepak Bohara

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

Mr. Mahesh Bahadur Basnet

Mr. Deep Basnyat

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

Mr. Juddha Bahadur Gurung

Siddhartha B. Bajracharya, PhD

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1. BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................................ 1

2.1. BAGMATI ................................................................................................................................................................. 7

3.1. RIVER ECOSYSTEM AND WASTE WATER ............................................................................................................... 15

4.1. NATURAL CONSERVATION CORE ZONE ................................................................................................................. 23

5.1. ACTS AND POLICIES .............................................................................................................................................. 31

CHAPTER 6: ACTION PLAN .................................................................................................................................. 3 5

CHAPTER 8: BUDGET PLAN ................................................................................................................................. 5 1

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

1.1.Background attaches spiritual and emotional significance to the Nepali people,

1.2. Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley lies between latitudes 27°32’13" and

A temperate climate prevails in Kathmandu Valley. The mean annual

It has also sought to harness traditional knowledge through 2000000

resources of the Kathmandu Valley through the declaration of the

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

Map 2: River networks of the Kathmandu Valley

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

Analysis of existing Review

1.4. Plan formulation process

Box 1: Nanjing Qinhuai River then and now

i. Secondary data and information about the

© BAP Study Team

© BAP Study Team

Bishnumati 17.3 2300 Shivapuri Tarebhir Manohara 23.5 2375 Manichaur

Kodaku 14.9 2000 Tleshwor Danda Tribeni 10.7 1700 Bhirkot

Mahadav 9.2 2000 Aale Danda Tukucha 6.4 1325 Maharajung

Source: Pradhan B. (2005)

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

disposing wastes along the Kankeswori –Teku bridge stretch. The 60

study conducted by KAPRIMO (2007) has revealed the increasing 40

2.6. Balkhu (Indramati)

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

Sewer drains are found in Thankot and Tinthana area further

2.8.2. Hanumante Khola

Hanumante Khola is the tributary of Manahara and originates

Areas upstream and downstream of Bhaktapur and Thimi are

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

Degradation of river water quality

Melamchi water supply project's plan of bringing water for drinking

increase water discharge in the Bagmati river. Agencies working

Ministry of Physical Planning and Works. The Government of Nepal,

Bagmati Action Plan 2009-2014

2. Rural Zone decreasing water discharge due to excessive diversion of water