THE ROLE OF WATER BODIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This research used various techniques such as survey, interview, through observation, municipality data etc. in order to analyze environment, economic development, physical development as well as understand people’s perspective of lake enhancing environment and developing urban areas. Therefore, both qualitative as well as quantitative method of data and information collection were used. The development of locality before and after construction of lake was also studied to observe the change brought by lake. The study showed that although the lake is still in construction phase, it has been able to provide employment opportunity, enhance economy of overall municipality, increase development around the area as well as make the surrounding climate and environment much more livable. Number of shops, food stalls, various recreational activities etc. have been constructed around the boundary of lake. people of the municipality have been able to make their loving dur to the presence of the lake. Through survey it was found that not only the people residing around the lake area observed that the temperature during summer is cooler around lake than other nearby area but also the participants believed that the winter temperature is slightly warmer around lake. Finally, new trend of developments activities has emerged in around the municipality. There has been construction of small zoo, Bagmati ghat, Bagmati fun park etc. Hence, this Lake have been able to enhance the environment as well as promote development round the area where there was barren land with no infrastructure at past.