Strategies and Challenges for Urban Green Spaces: A Case Study of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City

Abstract

Urban forms are changing and becoming more ad hoc. Urban green spaces are an integral element of a city's public open spaces and services, contributing to the health and wellbeing of city people. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that public green spaces are evenly distributed around the city and are easily accessible to all. Ensuring the effective preservation, establishment, and growth of green areas stands as a crucial factor in attaining sustainable urban development. The case of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City is analyzed in this paper to examine the challenges and strategies involved in safeguarding and promotion of these essential green areas. A mixed methodological approach was considered for data collection, including interviews, observation, mapping, and analysis using various parameters and collection of required information from documents. The study reveals disparities in the distribution of green space around the city, particularly in highly populated regions, with an emphasis on accessibility, distribution, and the impact of local regulations. This study has made some important observations by carefully examining the urban environment of Butwal. First, it showed that there were differences in how green spaces were distributed throughout the city, with densely crowded wards frequently lacking sufficient access to these vital amenities. Second, it brought to light the difficulties encountered by local governments in the absence of clear typologies, standards, and enabling laws for the design and development of green spaces.