Impacts of Urbanization on Land Use in lalitpur district.pptx

Nepal, traditionally a rural country, has experienced a significant shift towards urbanization since 2015, making it one of the fastest-urbanizing nations in Asia. The urbanization rate increased dramatically, with the percentage of classified urban dwellers rising from 17% in 2011 to over 66% in 2017. This rapid growth has primarily occurred at the expense of agricultural, forest, and shrubland areas, leading to substantial socio-economic and environmental challenges.

In Lalitpur District, these challenges are particularly pronounced. The district has witnessed haphazard development and inadequate infrastructure, contributing to environmental degradation. Many residents have reported negative economic impacts, including the loss of agricultural land, which has driven up living costs and reduced the overall quality of life. Urban expansion has decreased housing availability, leading to crowded conditions and increased traffic congestion, while also reducing green spaces and the sense of safety among residents.

A recent study by Thapa et al. (2023) evaluated the urban development suitability in Lalitpur, revealing that central and eastern parts of the district, including Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City, are not suitable for extensive urban development due to high landslide risks and proximity to landfills. These findings underscore the critical need for strategic planning to mitigate environmental and socio-economic risks.

Despite the challenges, there is a high willingness among residents to engage in community efforts, with 73.7% expressing a readiness to participate. However, a significant gap in policy awareness remains, as 63.2% of respondents are unaware of local government policies regarding land use and cover changes. This gap highlights the necessity for improved communication and policy outreach to effectively implement sustainable practices.

In conclusion, while Nepal's urbanization offers opportunities for economic and educational advancement, it also presents significant challenges that need to be addressed through sustainable practices and strategic urban planning. Enhanced policy communication and community engagement are essential to ensure balanced and resilient urban growth, particularly in vulnerable areas like Lalitpur District.

1. 1 Impacts of Urbanization on Land Use And land cover change. (A case study from in the Lalitpur District of Nepal.) Presented By Dikshya Rai Roll no: 6

2. Introduction 2 Urban development is a complex process that involves a variety of factors, including population growth, economic development, and environmental sustainability. In recent years, the world has seen a rapid increase in urbanization, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming decades ( Szpilko , 2020). Nepal, a landlocked country and sandwiched between India and China, has no long history of urbanization: nevertheless, it has begun facing rapid urbanization now ( Devekota , 2012). After 2015, Nepal became one of the fastest-urbanizing countries in Asia. Urban areas have been expanding in Nepal at the cost of agricultural, forest, and shrubland land uses.( Bhattrai et al., 2023) Nepal's pace of urbanization is unique where the percentage of classified urban dwellers increased from 17 % in 2011 to 66.08 % in 2017 (CBS , 2021). The urban population in Nepal is rapidly expanding because relatively more educational and economic opportunities are available in urban areas than in rural areas. To benefit from the limited available facilities in urban areas, people often crowd into urban centers sometimes creating slum-like settlements ( Adhikari , 1998; Akaku , 2014)

3. Introduction cont … Urbanization is gaining pace in other cities of Nepal; however, Kathmandu Valley remains the primary hub of urban development in the country ( MoUD , 2017). The rapid urban growth in Lalitpur District, as well as in regions surrounding Lalitpur, has led to significant challenges such as haphazard development, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation (Ishtiaque, Shrestha, & Chettri , 2017 ). In a recent study by Thapa et al. (2023), Lalitpur District was evaluated for urban development suitability, resulting in a detailed suitability map. The findings revealed distinct zones: highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable, and not suitable areas. From the study, the central and eastern parts, including Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City, were identified as not suitable for urban development. Factors such as high landslide risk and proximity to landfills pose significant challenges, making these areas unsuitable for extensive urban expansion strategies. These findings underscore the importance of strategic planning and environmental considerations in urban development initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth while mitigating risks in vulnerable regions.

4. Statement of Problems Objective Lalitpur District is experiencing rapid urbanization and population growth, leading to significant land use and land cover changes. Objectives To the effects, drivers, and time period of land use and land cover change in Lalitpur. To collect and analyze the perceptions and experiences of local residents regarding urbanization and its impacts on their quality of life.

5. Study Area 1,433/km²   Population Density [2021] Geographical information Lalitpur District is the part of Bagmati Province, Nepal . District Headquarters: Lalitpur Area: 385 km² (149 sq mi) No. of VDCs: 19 No. of Municipalities: 5 Population Statistics: Annual Population Change: 1.6% Population Density (2021): 1,433/km² Year Population 1881 184,341 1991 257,086 2001 337,785 2011 468,132 2021 551,667 Climate: Temperature: Summer: Average maximum temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C Winter: Average minimum temperature ranges from 2°C to 10°C Rainfall Pattern: Monsoon Season: June to September Annual Rainfall: Approximately 1,400 mm to 1,600 mm

6. Methodology A virtual survey consisting of 28 multiple-choice questions and a key informant interview were conducted to understand how land use has changed over the time, it’s key factors of change ,it’s impact of the environment and the response of the local people. The aim was to gather responses from Lalitpur residents aged 15 to over 45 years who have lived in the area for at least one to more than 20 years to capture their experience on the changing land use due to urbanization. In addition to the survey and key information interview, a comprehensive literature review was conducted.

7. Result and Discussion Majority of respondents have lived in Lalitpur for more than 10 years, indicating they are well-placed to notice changes over time . Among them 84.2% have noticed significant land use and land cover changes in their area.

8. Results And Discussions Increase in commercial buildings (73.7%) and conversion of agricultural land to urban settlements (57.9%) are the most observed changes . Reflects urbanization and economic development pressures . Deforestation (31.6%) and infrastructure development (52.6%) highlight environmental and infrastructural impacts.

9. Main Drivers of Changes Population growth (100%) and economic development (73.7%) are perceived as the primary drivers . Urban planning policies and industrial expansion also contribute significantly. These drivers also align with global urbanization trends impacting land use.

10. Environmental Impact Loss of geen space (78.9%) and decrease in air quality (73.7%) are major concerns . Water pollution (68.4%) and increased flooding (21.1%) indicate serious environmental degradation. Highlights the need for sustainable land management practices.

11. Significant changes in water quality and quantity (73.7% combined ). Indicates impact on water resources, crucial for both human and ecological health. Mixed observations with both increases and decreases in wildlife populations . Reflects ecological imbalance and habitat changes due to land use changes.

12. Impact on Quality of Life The majority of respondents (47.4%) have observed environmental changes for over 5 years. These changes have primarily resulted in negative economic impacts, with 57.9% reporting issues such as the loss of agricultural land, whereas only 42.1% have seen positive economic effects. Over half of the respondents (52.6%) feel their quality of life has worsened, attributing this to rising living costs and environmental degradation . The benefits of new infrastructure seem limited, as only 21.1% report improvements. In contrast, urbanization has put pressure on housing availability, with 57.9% noting a decrease in available housing. Environmental losses are evident, with 52.6% reporting a reduction in green spaces. This urban expansion has also strained infrastructure, as highlighted by the 89.5% who report increased traffic jams . Additionally, the social impacts of these changes are significant, with 52.6% of respondents feeling less safe. Overall, the findings suggest that while there are some benefits to new infrastructure, the negative impacts on the environment, economy, and quality of life are more pronounced.

13. Community Engagement and Policy Awareness Strong support for preserving greens 89.5% and improved planning 73.7%. Which also demonstrates community desire for sustainable and balanced development. High Willingness to Participate: 73.7% of respondents show a strong willingness to participate, indicating significant community engagement potential. This is crucial for grassroots efforts and gaining policy support. Awareness of Local Government Policies: Despite the high willingness to engage, there is a notable gap in awareness, with 63.2% of respondents not aware of any local government policies regarding land use and land cover changes.

14. Reliability Checking Using Google Earth Pro Google earth view of Lalitpur in 2024 Google earth view of Lalitpur in 2003

15. Conclusion Nepal's rapid urbanization, especially in Lalitpur District, has led to haphazard development, infrastructure strain, and environmental degradation . Residents face negative economic impacts, reduced housing and green spaces, increased traffic, and a lower sense of security. Despite 73.7% willingness to engage in community efforts, 63.2% are unaware of local policies, highlighting a need for better communication. Moreover, central and eastern parts of Lalitpur are unsuitable for extensive urban development due to high landslide risks and proximity to landfills, emphasizing the need for strategic planning. In summary, while urbanization offers opportunities, it also presents challenges that require sustainable practices and improved policy communication to ensure balanced and resilient growth.

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