URBAN FRINGE DEVELOPMENT PATTERN IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

Abstract

We live in democratic society, wherein people's expectations are high. Urban centre are magnets that promise to meet these expectations. This urbanization has brought a significant change in the physical, social and environment of the urban area. To cope up with the urbanization pressure, people have started to migrate towards the fringe area. Urban fringe areas are the localities where cities are expanding. The urban expansions towards the fringe areas have both positive and negative impacts. The urbanization in the fringe area provides economic opportunities to the local inhabitants and discourages the migration pressure of urban area. On the other hand, it is also creating problems due to haphazard growth and rapid changes to the agricultural land. Similarly it weakens the essence of traditional settlement pattern and life styles. Urban fringe areas are categorized as the alternative places of settlement as an alternative to the urban core. The study has concentrated on the physical, social and economic development pattern of the urban fringe area, with its reasons, characteristics, impacts etc. in connection with other fringe area. There is ample evidence that areas are developing along the major arterial road (Ring Road). Imadol VDC in Lalitpur and Sitapaila VDC in Kathmandu, both are experiencing urban pressure and undergoing changes, through various phases of developmental process. The present population growth is attracted towards the fringe area because of low land price (preferably provision of further investment etc) and easy rules and regulation of VDC. Also, people are motivated towards the fringe area for better environment. Major finding indicates that the development is happening fast but in an unplanned way. The major impact is on the land use pattern. Buildings are emerging on the agriculture land without proper infrastructural services are another characteristic of the urban fringe. Private developers' plays a vital role in raising the prices of the land of the fringe area. The development patterns are categorized into three main components, namely, physical, social and environment. The physical development is through the change in the land use, and is marked by a reduction of land holding, development of roads and availability of infrastructure services. In social development, it is the change in the tradition, and occupation. With regards to the economic aspect, it is the change in the income level, status and commercialization of the area. Basically, the scenario indicates that government has so far, little direct participation in the whole context of development process. People themselves are developing the area on their own ways. Consequently, there are unregulated plots, deteriorating infrastructure services, lack of social interaction, social integrity etc. Hence, upon analyzing the development pattern of the urban fringe, there are indication that there is a need for plans and policies to stop the haphazard growth. The infrastructure provision should be formulated and the land use pattern has to be designated with development control. Strong implementation and monitoring system should be formulated for the further control of haphazard growth of the urban fringe.