ISSN 2738-9898 (Print) ISSN 2738-9901 (Online) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/hijase.v2i1.37802 Beautification of Pokhara City with a Special Focus on Phewa Lake and Lakeside Area Prashidha Khatiwada*, Rabindra Adhikari This paper is dedicated to the memory of the Hon. Rabindra Adhikari, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
Corresponding Author: [email protected]
Received on: 28th, Dec., 2020 Accepted for publication: 10th March., 2021
Abstract Pokhara is one of the rapidly growing cities of Nepal. It is the second-largest metropolitan city after Kathmandu. Because of the renowned temples, monasteries, lakes, adventure sports, and being close to the well-known Annapurna Range, it is considered as the tourism capital of Nepal. Millions of tourist visit this naturally gifted city every year contributing to considerable economic development. This economic prospect has attracted thousands of migrants every year leading to 67% growth in population in the last decade. The rapid population growth and urbanization without long-term planning and firm regulation have severely affected the development of sustainable infrastructure, preservation of the public space and natural resources. This has further impacted the tourism, economy, health and wellbeing, environment, and social aspect of the city. This article aims to generate strategies for retaining and improving the natural beauty of the city (focusing on the Phewa Lake area) by enhancing the economy and environment, rejuvenating social and cultural values, elevating the health and wellbeing of the people, and strengthening and promoting sustainable development. In this article, literature reviews, interviews, and field surveys were undertaken and four major improvements/developments are recommended for the beautification of Pokhara City. The recommendations are: preservation and development of open space into self-sustaining cohesive community parks, citizen-centred urban development, improvement of current transport infrastructure, and conservation of natural resources such as water, vegetation, and landscape.
Keywords: Phewa Lake, Conservation of Lake, Public Space, Community Parks, Sustainable City.
1. Introduction: renowned temples, monasteries and pagodas, lakes, and adventure sports centre. Because of Pokhara is the capital of Gandaki Province of these features, it has been considered the most Nepal. It is the largest metropolitan city in terms beautiful destination for tourist in the world. On of area and the second-largest in terms of the other side, the natural beauty and tourism- population (about 421,000 in 2020) of Nepal. It based economic development and prosperity is located about 200 kilometres west of the have led to rapid migration and population capital, Kathmandu with an altitude range of 827 growth in the past decade [1]. The population has meters to 1,740 meters. Pokhara especially the increased by more than two-thirds in the last Phewa Lake area is not only known for its decade [2]. The rapid population growth and panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and urbanization have severely affected the land use, Lamjung Himalayan ranges but also with the open space, ecology, and natural beauty of the 1 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 city [1]. This has further impacted the tourism, recommended target is the preservation and economy, health and wellbeing, environment, development of open space into self-sustaining and social and cultural aspect of the city. cohesive community parks, recreational parks and leisure amenities. The second target is to The beautification of the city in the world has include participation and involve citizens in all been the focus since the mid-18th century. In aspects of urban development. The third 1853, a village beautification society was formed recommended target is to improve and develop in the United States [3]. With time, the purpose transport infrastructure more aesthetically and and strategy of city beautification have changed sustainably. The fourth target is to preserve and evolved significantly [4]. The strategies of natural resources such as water, vegetation, and the early 20th century were focused on landscape. These four developments are monumental public spaces, street beautification, primarily related to the improvement of tourism, and classical architecture, with an emphasis on economic, social, cultural, environmental, and aesthetic and recreational values [4]. During this health and wellbeing aspects of the city. period, improving the living conditions of the urban populace and providing moral and civic 2. Research Methodology: virtue through high aesthetics were considered The research methodology mainly consists of important strategies [4]. Then the beautification two methods: interview and field studies. of the city evolved into an idea of combining Interviews were conducted with residents and environmental, aesthetic, recreational, and leisure experts working in the field of land, water and amenities: museums, waterfront parks, open-air urban planning divisions to understand their shopping centres, and other public spaces. opinion of the beautiful city and improvements Recently, the beautification of the city is more that are needed to beautify Pokhara City. The focused on sustainability and livability [4]. The interview responses were analyzed based on the economic and sustainable infrastructure sustainability and livability parameters as development incorporating the communities to highlighted in Section 1, and finally, a desktop be served in the planning, decision-making, survey and field study was undertaken for implementation and management processes are preparing the proposal. key to the sustainability of the city [5]. For a city to be self-sustaining, infrastructures such as 2.1. Interview: water supply, sanitation facilities, drainage, To gain a better understanding of the opinion of urban roads, solid waste disposal facilities, and the residents and experts about the current land management need to be developed problems of Pokhara City and what are their effectively [5]. In similar regard, wellbeing future expectation about the city and from the parameters such as income, consumption, public city, semi-structured interviews were conducted. space and amenities, level of environmental The following set of questions were asked pollution, and parameters of quality of life such during the interview: as quantity and quality of climate and natural beauty and public recreation, education and On a scale of 10, what score will you give healthcare amenities are considered as the major to Pokhara especially the Phewa Lake area indicator of the livable and happy city [6]. compared to your beautiful dream city? The transformation of a haphazardly developing What three key improvements are needed city to a sustainable and livable city is a to transform Pokhara into a sustainable, challenging task. As public green spaces, parks livable and beautiful city? and recreation areas are considered as the Can you highlight one specific important factors in beautifying a city, development that you feel is required to beautification of Pokhara City is even more bring each improvement? challenging due to limited and depleting open space [1]. Focusing on the vision of a sustainable The interviews were conducted with 5 and livable city, this study recommends four permanent residents from the Lakeside area, and major improvement/development targets for the 5 technical experts. A permanent resident was beautification of Pokhara City. The first defined as someone who had stayed with his/her
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 2 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 family in Pokhara for at least 15 years. transport and other physical infrastructure, Similarly, a technical expert was defined as preservation of public space and Phewa Lake, someone working in the public sectors of community cohesion, development of Pokhara for at least 5 years in the fields recreational and leisure amenities, and including tourism, urban, land, and water responsible and smart citizens. Likewise, the development. In the case of permanent residents, interviewee highlighted developments such as interviews were conducted at their home. better quality and safe road, passenger-friendly Whereas, with experts, interviews were taken at bus, electric bus, clean city, efficient waste their offices. In both cases, the interviews lasted disposal facility, recreational parks, amusement approximately 12 minutes. The responses were parks, parks and garden near home, clean Phewa recorded by note-taking. Lake and Khola-Nalas (creeks), public meeting space, shopping centres and gaming zones, 2.2. Google Earth Survey and Field Study: artificial beach, aquarium, water park, education, Based on the responses obtained from and jobs. The responses are summarized in interviews, several improvement options were Table 1. Based on these responses four major considered for the Phewa Lake area of Pokhara developments were proposed. These City. Those options related to sustainability and development are discussed in Section 3.1 to 3.4. livability were selected. Then a field visit was 3.1. Phewa Park: undertaken including the Phewa Lake area, it’s water inflow sources, the Rani Ban area, public Phewa Park consisting of four components: open spaces, parks, roads, and the major Living Park (Jaivik Kunj), Water Park (Jal infrastructures in the Lakeside (Damsite, Kunj), Beach Park (Tat Kunj), and Amusement Baidam, Dihikopatan, Pame and Khapaudi area). Park (Leela Kunj) is proposed for utilising The Google Earth software (Version 7.1) was public space for recreation and entertainment, used for the preliminary measurement of the enhancing tourism and economy, improving water covered area of Phewa Lake, the area of ecology, rejuvenating social and cultural values, nearby open spaces, and the length and elevation improving health and wellbeing of the people, of Mansawar Road or Phewa Marga. and beautifying Pokhara City. The Camping Site Furthermore, manual counting of the motorized nearby Hallanchok as shown in Fig.1 is traffic volume at Mansawar Road was conducted recommended for the park due to it’s positioning near Nareshwar Bus Stop for the design of and suitability. From Camping Site, the thick Modern Mansawar Road as discussed in Section vegetation of Rani Ban, beautiful Phewa Lake, 3.4. World Peace Pagoda, Tal Barahi Temple, Pame area, and Paragliding Landing Spot are visible 3. Result and Discussion: and the site is suitable for the park because of its Based on the responses of interviews, on proximity to Phewa Lake. The main components average Pokhara received 6/10 scores when of Phewa Park and it’s features are shown in compared to the hypothetical dream city of the Fig. 2. The design requirements are validated interviewee. Similarly, the responses highlighted with the guidelines for urban open space the need for development/improvements of the presented in [7].
Figure 1: Google Earth image of the Camping Site (dimensions are approximate only).
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 3 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 Table 1: Summary of responses obtained from the interview.
Score Responder Three key improvements Specific developments out of 10
Economic, natural, and More jobs, preservation of lakes and 1 7 infrastructure developments open space, and better roads Physical infrastructure, Better quality road, cleaner Phewa Lake, 2 5 preservation of nature, and recreational amenities and shopping centres Physical infrastructure, Passenger friendly bus, parks near home, 3 8 community cohesion, and responsible and smart citizens and education Preservation of Phewa Lake, Clean Phewa Lake, recreational parks, 4 4 preservation of public space, and leisure amenities and amusement parks Tourism and economy, preservation of natural More jobs, clean Phewa Lake and Khola- 5 6 resources, and community Nala, and cultural development cohesion Road and public transport, preservation of Phewa Lake Passenger friendly and electric bus, 6 7 and water bodies, and waste better Phewa Lake, and better waste management disposal facility
Economic development, More jobs and secured tourism, 7 4 preservation of nature, and preservation of lakes and open space, infrastructure developments and better road Physical infrastructure, preservation of public space, Shopping centres and gaming zones, 8 6 development of recreational artificial beach, aquarium, and water spaces park Physical infrastructure, Better hospitals, parks near home, and 9 7 community cohesion, and more responsible citizens awareness among people Improvement in public open Recreational parks, high-speed internet, 10 6 space, education, and and better hospitals healthcare
Figure 2: Proposed Phewa Park and it’s detailing.
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 4 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 3.1.1. Living Park (Jaivik Kunj) At the entrance of Phewa Park, the Living Park and wellbeing of people [11-12]. These consisting of various features and representing hyperrealistic sculptures will not only the lifestyle and cultural aspects of Pokhara is promote the culture, health, and wellbeing proposed. It consists of four major components: but also contribute to beautifying the city the Buddha Circle, Hyperrealistic Sculptures, and improving tourism and the economy. Phewa Garden, and Open Air Theatre (OAT). Phewa Garden: it is a planned space set These components are discussed below: aside for the display, and for the The Buddha Circle (Circle of Life): cultivation, and enjoyment of native plants spiritual development has been considered (plants of different types, heights, colours, as one of the main contributing factor in textures, and fragrances to create interest health and wellbeing [8]. To incorporate and delight the senses). It is proposed to the benefit of spirituality, the “Buddha be the combination of the floral band Circle” is proposed. The circle will consist (band of different types of indigenous of different stages of the life of Gautam flowers), vegetables and herbs band Buddha demonstrated in a circular (assortment of typical local and arrangement on a hexagonal base as indigenous vegetables, and herbs grown shown in Fig.2. The Buddharupa (statue of and decorated in rows), fauna (human- Buddha) will consist of five stages of friendly butterflies, birds, squirrels etc.), Buddha’s life: birth (mysterious 7- vertical garden (covered with vegetation paila/footsteps), childhood, early forming patterns representing the map of adulthood (royal life), middle-age Nepal) and landscape: paths, rockeries, (enlightenment), and life after walls and sitting areas as shown in Fig. 2. enlightenment or teaching stage The combination of natural elements: flora symbolising harmony between man, and fauna, soil, water, air, and light, and nature, people and religion, and essence of constructed elements: paths, patios, life [9]. decking, sculptures, and lights will provide a vibrant environment to the park. Hyperrealistic Sculptures: the park is The Phewa Garden will provide aesthetic, proposed to host super-realistic sculptures functional, recreational, economic, and demonstrating different themes. For environmental significance to the city. example, a female and male dancer posing local cultural dance, Gorkha Army Open Air Theater (OAT): OAT is the holding “Khukuri”, fisherman sitting on transitional space between the “Jaivik the stone and holding a fishing rod, a Kunj” and the rest of the Phewa Park. It is cyclist etc. The hyperrealistic sculptures the space for sunbathing and enjoying the will not only be a new introduction to the elegant view of “Jal Kunj” consisting of a city but also will promote and restore fish aquarium and “Phewa Aestic cultural values. For example, the sculpture Fountain”. The OAT will consist of about showing male and female dancer will 5-6 steps (about 45 cm rise and 1 m run) bring cultural vibrancy, the sculpture covered by slate stone (local stone of posing the great Gurkhas will demonstrate Nepal) providing a sitting space for about the honesty and assiduousness of the local 1200 spectator. people, and the fisherman sculpture will 3.1.2. Water Park (Jal Kunj) represent and preserve the once-popular fishing culture. The sculpture will promote The Water Park consists of “Phewa Aestic cultural and recreational activities which Musical Fountain (PAMF)”. PAMF is a type of are proven as beneficial for health and animated fountain combined with water, light wellbeing [10]. Similarly, the sculpture of and music portraying the culture and the local cyclist can help in promoting characteristics of Pokhara. PAMF is achieved by cycling culture and contribute to the health employing the effects of timed sound waves and
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 5 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 timed light (including laser) against water of the Himalayas of Nepal through PAMF is particles. The water refracts and reflects the shown in Fig. 3 light, and in doing so three-dimensional images are produced. The example of the demonstration
Figure 3: Phewa Aestic Musical Fountain (PAMF) portraying the Himalayas of Nepal. PAMF will not only add colour and music to the showers, hospitality venues, information desk, city but also contribute to the purification of mini-museum, and mini fish aquarium. Phewa Lake's water. As the water is directly pumped and recycled instantly to Phewa Lake, the aeration of water in the air will help in improving the water quality [13]. Based on literature review and field survey, PAMF may consist of 150 channels shooting 5 tons of water per minute, 1000 LED nozzles for lighting, a linear water screen of 8.5 meters high and 5.75 meters wide with a 100-meter long water cascading area [14]. PAMF will contribute to the cultural, tourism and economic development of the city. Figure 4: Perspective view of Phewa Beach 3.1.3. Beach Park (Tat Kunj): 3.1.4. Amusement Park (Leela Kunj): The Beach Park will consist of “Phewa Beach” The “Leela Kunj” will contain a roller coaster made of local decorative sand, gravel, shingle, and other related amusement equipment. It will pebbles, and cobblestones. It will give locals and contribute to the recreation and entertainment tourists an entertaining and athletic environment. aspect and will attract tourist leading to revenue The soothing qualities of a beach and the generation. It will give Pokhara recognition as a pleasant environment offered to the beachgoer modern and vibrant city in Nepal. will be replicated in it as shown in Fig. 3. Beach lovers could enjoy a musical fountain and garden 3.2. Samudayik Maulik Uddhan/Sahari on the backside, and a landscape and volleyball Chautari (Community Park): court on the left and right sides. While Samudayik Maulik Uddhan (SMU) also known sunbathing in the loungers, they can enjoy the mesmerizing view of Phewa Lake, Rani Ban, as Sahari Chautari or Community Park is a World Peace Pagoda, and the reflection of the public open area decorated and embellished for Himalayas. They can sit under the palm trees, the community by the people of the community and play with sand, and pebbles. using skills, experience and originalities of the At the starting of the Tat Kunj and below the community. The working modality and the musical fountain, a semi-underground structure benefits of SMU are shown in Fig. 5. This semi- is proposed for facilitating changing rooms, natural space is proposed for bringing
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 6 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 productivity and creativity to the community, for sharing, and bringing positive changes in the connecting people through collaboration and health and wellbeing of the people.
Figure 5: Working modality of Samudayik Maulik Uddhan (SMU) system and it's benefits.
3.2.1. SMU leading to sustainable Pokhara pollution and greenhouse gas, and in enhancing the environment. Community cohesion and cultural developments: as the theme of the SMU Tourism and economic developments: is ultra-focused on connecting and the tourism, and health and wellbeing collaborating with people of the benefit of the SMU will provide direct and community, it will contribute to indirect economic benefits and contribute establishing equity and resolving social to the city’s economy. discriminations, and in improving cultural 3.2.2. Typical features of Samudayik Maulik values. People will evoke by the feeling of Uddhan (SMU) unity. SMU will use the local materials, skills, Public satisfaction, and health and workmanship and local natural and wellbeing: SMU uses the physical, cultural theme such as playing spaces, mental, and creative capacities of the trees, herbs, floral, and vegetable garden, people and offers them social cultural plays etc. It shall demonstrate cohesiveness, cultural activities, a place community originalities. for meditation and rest, a peaceful place, place for productive conversation and The development will capitalize on the discussions, inspiration, and restore abundant natural features of the existing psychophysical equilibrium, finally site. creating public satisfaction, and health and SMU will be planned, designed, wellbeing benefits. Contemporary studies constructed, maintained and regulated by have also found the contribution of an the community stakeholders. All the urban community garden in stress- investment will be managed within and by reduction and mental health [15-17]. the community. Environmental developments: the Several SMU will be inter-linked through plantation of trees, flowers, vegetables, street linkages and networks. and herbs will contribute to reducing air
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 7 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 SMU will incorporate community cohesiveness as well as a tourist attraction. Visual privacy and noise barrier shall be created through design and landscaping for preventing noise and disturbance to the neighbourhood. 3.2.3. Some common indigenous and popular specimens recorded from the field study Example of some of the indigenous and popular specimens recorded during the field study, that Figure 6: Google Map view of the Nareshwar can be used for decorating SMU are listed below. Samudayik Maulik Uddhan with approximate plot dimensions determined from field measurement. Baja and other musical instruments, 3.3. Conservation of Phewa Lake: Indigenous fruits: banana, pomegranate, pineapple etc., flowers: Lalupate Phewa Lake is a stream-fed freshwater lake (Euphoria), marigold, Jahi-Juhi-Chameli, formed by primary inflows of Harpan Khola, Parijat etc., vegetables: tomatoes, chillies, Phirke Khola, Miya Khola, and Bulaudi Khola 2 mustards etc., and herbs: Sisnu, Niyale with a total catchment area of 122.53 km . The bamboo, Dubo, ferns etc., maximum length, width and depth of the lake is approximately 4 km, 2 km, and 24 m, Innovative technical and mechanical respectively. From the site visit and interviews, instrument/specimen it is found that the lake is losing its size due to created/manufactured by local students, encroachment, siltation, vegetation lost in the Adventurous instruments, catchment area, and waste disposal. Repaired and ornamented recycled boats 3.3.1. Reduction in the Size of Phewa Lake: and paddle designed in native styles, The GPS imagery data of Phewa Lake over the last 16 years shows a significant reduction in the Specimens such as Halo-Juaa and Dhiki- Jato, water covered area. The approximate reduction from the year 2004-2020 were estimated using Clay pots and pottery collection, pottery Google Earth area measurement tools and the water fountain with lighting, lights, created boundaries are shown in Fig.7. The painting, crafts, statues, magazines, and water covered area reduced from 4.32 km2 to other artistic specimens prepared by 4.26 km2 from 2004 to 2008, 4.21 km2 to 2012, children, and 4.00 km2 to 2020. The reduction is found to Collecting a typical specimen from be about 7.4 % in the last 16 years, and about 5 visitors for symbolizing wishes and % in the last 8 years. If preventive measures are fortune. not taken on time, the lake may dry up by about 200 years. From a field visit of the surrounding, 3.2.4. Prospect of SMU in Pokhara two major causes were identified: human Through a field survey and study of the land encroachment and waste disposal in the vicinity survey report [18], Pokhara Metropolitan has of the lake, and siltation (prominent in Harpan about 8983 ropanis of public and government Khola, Firke Khola, and other small creeks) and land which has the potential of developing into vegetation loss of the catchment area. Disposal SMU. If this amount of land can be revived of municipal waste was found to not only cause through SMU, it will help in developing a strong the reduction in the size of the lake but also community and unified city. One of the proposed serve as a major pollutant and cause of SMU: Nareshowar Samudayik Maulik Uddhan, ecological damage to the lake. The lack of located in Baidam, Pokhara is provided in Fig. 6. vegetation in the catchment area was found to depreciate the quality of the watershed and to
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 8 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 cause a landslide. The discharge of silts due to The possible impacts of the pollution of Phewa landslide and water runoff was found to reduce Lake are detrimental effects in the ecosystem, the quantity of water in the lake by covering the economic impacts, impacts on physical basin and the periphery. infrastructure such as downstream hydropower, irrigation channel, and impacts to the Tal Barahi Temple. 3.3.3. Conservation Strategies:
2004 2008 Three major strategies: silt control, hyacinth
Phewa Lake Area = 4 square kilometre control, and waste control are proposed for the conservation of Phewa Lake. These strategies are discussed below. Silt control through check dams: the 2020 construction of a check dam to the upstream Figure 7: Google Earth images of the boundary of the of the inflows can be used for reducing flow Phewa Lake for the year 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2020. velocity and controlling soil erosion. Future studies are recommended for the detail 3.3.2. Phewa Lake Water Pollution: feasibility study of the check dam. Pollution of Phewa Lake was observed to have a Hyacinth control: water hyacinth direct impact on the natural beauty of the lake. infestation is the major cause of visual From the site visit, the major sources of pollution of the Phewa Lake, difficulties for pollutant were able to be tracked to city boating and fishing, clogging of irrigation drainage, human activities such as bathing and canals, reduction in dissolved oxygen, blocking of light, aggravation of the lake washing clothes, disposal of waste to the creeks ecosystem, and mosquitoes infestation. As and major inflows, dumping of waste by the large number of human manpower is visitors, discarded boats, and discharge of silts currently used in manually removing from the inflows. Water hyacinths were also hyacinth from the lake, a much safer and observed to affect the lake ecosystem and to efficient mechanical harvester for extracting cause visual pollution and unpleasant view of and removing hyacinth is recommended. the lake. The common type of wastes found in The example of the mechanical harvester is the vicinity of the lake was hard wastes such as shown in Fig.9. The recovered hyacinth glass bottles, scarp glass, metals, and electronic may then be transformed into ethanol fuel wastes, paper and plastic wastes, construction [19-20], which can be used to run eco- wastes, clinical wastes, and food wastes. The friendly vehicles. Similarly, or water picture of the disposed waste taken during the hyacinth may be used as a raw material for field visit is shown in Fig. 8. handicrafts, fabrics, and paper manufacturing.
Figure 9: Hyacinths extraction using Figure 8: Common waste types observed in Bulaudi mechanical harvester [21]. Khola (vicinity of Phewa Lake).
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 9 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 Waste treatment: the water discharged parking (vehicular and cycle), transit station, directly into Phewa Lake can be treated median barriers, solar light, and other landscape effectively and economically before structure as shown in Fig. 11. The proposed 750 discharging into the lake using screening, meters of pervious pavement cycle lane and aeration and algal treatment methods. The sidewalks will provide environmental benefits. treatment will contribute to managing The central dual carriageway will help to deliver quality water, enhancing aesthetics, vehicular traffic. For safety and efficiency, improving the ecosystem, and controlling sidewalk, cycle land and vehicular lane are hyacinths growth. Through screening, the designed to have dedicated traffic. The “before” large solids waste can be extracted and and “proposed” view of the road is shown in Fig. recycled/removed. Similarly, through 11. aeration, biological or chemical wastes such as sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be removed [22]. A waterfall and air diffusers such as fountains can be used for water aeration. Furthermore, using algal treatment (aerobic treatment of waste), nitrogen, phosphorous, heavy metals, and several toxic compounds can be removed, and biomass and bioenergy can be recovered [23-24].
Figure 11: Before (top) and proposed (bottom) views of MMR Motorized vehicular lane: A manual counting of traffic volume was conducted during the peak hour (9 AM – 10 AM) from 1st August to 7th August of 2014 based on the passenger car unit provided in [26]. From the counting, the total peak hour traffic volume was found to be 1100 pcu/hr or 550 pcu/hr in each direction. Taking into Figure 10: Road connectivity map of MMR and it’s consideration of the future traffic growth, surface slope (5.1%) determined using Google Earth the carriageway is designed for 2150 pcu/hr [25]. in each direction or 1075 pcu/hr/lane. The proposed capacity is 1.95 times higher than
the 2014 demand. The lane width of 3 m is 3.4. Modern Mansawar Road (MMR): selected based on the design charts given in [27]. The total width of the road consisting Modern Mansawar Road (MMR) is a 1.86 km of four lanes (2 lanes in each direction) is long, advanced and smart modern road between 12.5 m with the 50 cm central median Zero K.M. to the Hallanchok section of existing (steel railing with flowering pot as shown in Mansawar road which is shown in Fig.10. It is a the design). multi-lane smart sub-arterial road designed to Automated traffic light for vehicle, cyclist, provide safe and efficient movement of traffic and pedestrian crossing is recommended for from Panchase Marga, Baidam Road, Uday safer and efficient flow and transition of Marg, Tikepatan Road, Gairikhet Marga, and vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. traffic coming from major commercials, Traffic barrier: a flexible barrier consisting residential and tourist centres of Pokhara. of steel railings and flower pots is proposed MMR will consist of the dedicated vehicular as a median divider for improving road travel lane, sidewalks, dedicated cycle lanes, traffic safety and smoother traffic flow.
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 10 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 Drainage: The first 750 m of the road from safety, easier access, comfort and a pleasing Hallanchok will be drained through the look. pervious pavement of the cycle lane and Sound barriers: the impact of noise will be sidewalk. While the remaining portion of mitigated through the use of planting, the road will be drained through the gutter beaming and upgraded fence design. The placed below the non-porous sidewalk and road surface can be provided with can be discharged to Firke Khola after whispered finishing to have anti-noise treatment. property. Motorized vehicle and cycle parking: off- Air pollution (dust and smoke) control: use street parking will be encouraged in peak of electric vehicles, plantation, timely hours and on-street parking will be used cleaning and flushing, minimizing light during happy hours for traffic calming. vehicle/car and encouraging mass passenger Convenient and safe bicycle parking/storage vehicle/bus for reducing traffic volume, and will be provided near to transit station (15 banning high carbon emission vehicles are bicycle/station) with anti-theft/locking recommended for controlling air pollution. facility. Every commercial building is Coherent side buildings: the coherent encouraged to provide cycle parking and a architecture of buildings, such as safe storage facility to increase the parking finish/colour/materials is highly encouraged volume. along with the MMR. The corner buildings Lighting: solar street lighting will be are encouraged to have similarly articulated aligned with the tree plantation to establish facades on both streets. Window glazing is coordinated streetscapes. Street lighting will encouraged to maximize along street accommodate the needs of pedestrians and frontages while avoiding spandrel, will be designed to ensure pedestrian reflective or tinted glass. Showroom, comfort and safety. restaurants, galleries, music palaces are Transit station: a transit station is proposed encouraged alongside the sidewalks with for efficient exchanged of the passenger pedestrian-friendly amenities such as between different transport modes or outdoor seating areas and patios in the front between vehicles. Transit station along with and sides of buildings. Primary building waiting amenities are to be provided at entrances will be oriented to the street, with designated intersections with sufficient defining architectural elements such as space to include a safe waiting area/shelter, entrance canopies, lighting and awnings. seating facility (for about 20 passengers), Sidewalks: sidewalks are proposed on both cycle parking, and other necessary services sides of the road with an inviting facility for such as facilities for disabled and old the comfortability of pedestrians. The people, vending machine etc. Display of sidewalk width of 5 feet in the narrower and vehicle arrival timing is highly 6 feet in the wider portion is recommended recommended. A station length of 15 m to allow three people walking side-by-side with 11 m length for bus parking (one large or passing without any obstructions. The bus or two smaller vehicles such as micro- deciduous tree line between the vehicular bus) and 2 m length at the entry and exit is lane and cycle lane will provide safety to recommended. the pedestrian from moving vehicles. The Landscaping: landscaping along MMR is first 600 to 800 meters of the sidewalks proposed to include deciduous trees, planted from Hallanchok will be paved with porous at 7 to 10 meters spacing on both sides of interlocking tiles. The hexagonal the road. A species that will form a interlocking tiles (20 cm sides × 10 cm continuous canopy at maturity is height) will be grooved and curved inside to recommended. The location of trees should give space for “Dubo” covering as shown in be coordinated with the location of utilities Fig. 11. The “Dubo” covering and and infrastructure that share the right-of- perviousness will help in reducing the way. Aesthetic flowers and a flower pot will surface temperature during the hot day. This be provided at the median for decorating green spot will be the key to the aesthetic of MMR. All the components of the road are the road. arranged in such a way to give ultimate Cycle lane: The MMR cycle lane will be an exclusive bicycle facility and is physically
P. Khatiwada and R. Adhikari 11 Himalayan Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (HiJASE), Vol. 2, Issue 1, No. 6, 2021 separated from motor traffic. It is proposed vegetation, landscape. For achieving each of to be one-way, at the road level, just below these recommendations, four developments were 3'' of the sidewalk level. The first 750 proposed: Phewa Park, Maulik Samudik Uddan, meters from Hallanchok is proposed to be conservation and enhancement of Phewa Lake, pervious concrete with remaining as a and Model Mansawar Road. The direct and normal pavement. indirect benefits such as tourism and economic 3.4.1. Benefits of a porous sidewalk and cycle development, social and cultural development, lane health and wellbeing, environmental development, and development of the self- Porous pavement has environmental benefits sustaining physical infrastructure were such as contribution to surface water discussed. Similarly, the role of these management, reduction of overall drainage developments in beautifying Pokhara and demand, reduction of local heat island effects, making it more sustainable, and livable were controlling of pollutants, groundwater recharge, discussed. As the study was focused on the and prevention of flooding in the road. Lakeside and Phewa Lake area, other similar Similarly, it has safety benefits such as reduction studies are highly recommended for other of tire noise, prevention of glare, and reduction regions of the city, finally combining multiple of hydroplaning. The porous pavement provided studies to create a comprehensive in the sidewalk and cycle lane of the MMR will recommendation or proposal for the also aid in increasing the durability of the beautification of the Pokhara City. vehicular lane by facilitating efficient drainage. Acknowledgement: 4. Conclusion: The authors would like to thank the Nepal ko This study aims at investigating the major issues Yuwa and Daayitwa Fellowship Team for that are impacting the beauty, sustainability, and supporting and facilitating this study. We would livability of Pokhara City (especially near the also like to thank numbers of public and private Lakeside and Phewa Lake area), and proposing agencies of Pokhara including the Pokhara recommendation for resolving these issues. Metropolitan City office, Nepal Tourism Board, Interviews were first conducted to understand Department of Survey, Water Resources and the opinion of the local public and experts about Irrigation Development Division for providing the current problem of the city and their opinion the required information and resources for the about resolving these problems. The interview study and supporting with the interview. This responses were analyses and a field survey and article was not possible without the local support study were undertaken, finally resulting in the from the local people of Pokhara, especially four major recommendations/solutions. The first Shree Krishna Adhikari. The authors also recommendation is the preservation and acknowledge the direct and indirect inputs of development of open space into self-sustaining Binita Pandey, Busan Pkd' Prasain, Aameer cohesive community parks, recreational parks Joshi, and other Daayitwa staffs and fellows. and leisure amenities for enhancing the quality of life and supporting social, cultural and Funding: The project was funded by Daayitwa aesthetic aspects of the city. The second through the Daayitwa Fellowship program. recommendation is to include the participation Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no and involvement of citizens in all aspects of conflict of interest. urban development. The third recommendation is to improve and develop transport infrastructure more attractively, aesthetically and sustainably. The last recommendation is to preserve natural resources such as water, ______References: risk reduction in Nepal,” Journal of South Asia Disaster Studies, vol. 2, [1] D. Chamlagain, "Earthquake scenario no.1, pp. 57-80, 2009. and recent efforts toward earthquake
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