Satellite cities and its dire need in vicinity of Kathmandu

With the scarcity of facilities and opportunities at the place of origin, urban transition is a normal process in Nepal. The term urban transition refers to migration of people from rural areas to the cities for commercial or service oriented jobs. With urban transition at its peak, the population density of major cities of Nepal is increasing ominously. Among the major cities of Nepal, Kathmandu remains the hotspot for urban transition which makes the functioning of city harder.   To regulate the population and create a balance between resource and growing population, the concept of satellite city was introduced.

As a satellite revolves around a planet, a satellite city is also created adjacent to a major city to stop the direct flow of people into it.  Generally, Satellite city has a distinctive border such as rivers to separate it with the major city.  It is constructed at a suitable distance from the major city so that the distance between satellite city and major city must not be an issue for the locals who travel to and fro for various cause. Satellite city is a well-planned city that is capable of self-sustaining on most of its requirements and have its own municipal government. The population of satellite city may only rely on major city for employment.  Many people have fallacy of considering satellite city and suburb to be same.  Suburb on other hand is a residential area located at the outskirts of the major city and completely depends on it for the functioning

Construction and Requirements of satellite city

For construction of satellite city, a huge area must be allocated within which the infrastructures are built. The land allocation must be approved by geologist and engineers on the basis of proper research on various factors to prevent possible casualties. The infrastructures must be built in such a way that it prioritizes the use of public vehicles and dissuade public to use cars, ensures accessibility for everyone residing in the city including the ones with the disabilities. In many places of our country an average person walks a fair distance only to reach the bus station. So the city must be created in such a way that it obviates the burden of walking long distance only to reach bus station. Sustainable development must be the main theme while constructing the satellite cities. The energy consumption of the city should be made less while decreasing the carbon emission. The Use of alternative sources of energy which are favorable to the place must be prioritized. The city must ensure proper disposal of the daily waste produced by the city with no harm to the environment.

Proper planning for the supply of electricity, water must be done before the construction to maintain the continuous flow of electricity to the residents. The wires in the city must be made underground to increase the beauty of the city and lessen jeopardy. The functioning of the city must comply with the technology which we also refer as a smart city. Proper drainage system must be established during construction to prevent the accumulation of water on roads during rainy seasons.

It must contain adequate amount of open spaces such as parks and playgrounds for people to have some quality time and perform physical exercises.  The city must be able to create an example of religious harmony between different religions and must ensure the conservation of heritages during construction

A satellite city must also be created by keeping the security factors in mind. It must be created in such a way that in case of emergency the city can be cordoned with ease.

Need of satellite city for  Kathmandu

The population density of major cities of Nepal is high. Among all the population density of Kathmandu stands out among all. The lack of choice for people to choose an alternative to Kathmandu has lured everyone to Kathmandu. The necessity to create a satellite city in the vicinity of Kathmandu has already been created. The crime rate and traffic congestion has commensurate with the population. People have to spend an ample amount of time in traffic jams which indirectly hampers the mental wellbeing and make a loss that cannot be retrieved.  Growing crime rates is getting difficult for the police to control. Deterioration in quality of basic facilities   due to inability of government to provide everyone is increasing. The land exploitation is at its peak with the land value skyrocketing which has created an economic problem for the working class family to afford their own house.

So to control these problems satellite city is a solution.  If a city is provided to the population with all the facilities they get in Kathmandu, then the populations will definitely divide uniformly over the areas.

The necessity to construct a satellite city has already been surpassed. Although the construction of satellite cities has already been  purposed in vicinity of Kathmandu the projects remain yet to be completed with the estimated time already passing out. The completion of satellite city must be a top priority.

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