Kathmandu 2020
Progress Report
August 2004
Background
KATHMANDU 2020 is a volunteer-based campaign focused to discover the most positive, life giving
forces and energies of the people of Kathmandu valley and channelize these energies towards creating
and acting for a new future of the valley. The campaign was begun with an inquiry of "What can we as
individuals do to make a difference in the future of our valley?".
Kathmandu 2020 invested lots of its time and efforts towards changing the general perception that
"Everyone else is responsible except me!!!". Several programmes and activities have been
implemented since its inception in 1997. Appreciative Inquiry is the fundamental principle of
Kathmandu 2020's working philosophy. There is an encouraging participation of valley residents in
the programmes of Kathmandu 2020 and there is a positive shift in the way the residents look upon
their role, now. This report highlights some of the key achievements made by Kathmandu 2020.
Publication of white paper on the state of Kathmandu
Kathmandu 2020 has been able to gather key information on the state of Kathmandu on the 10 key
issues. These include air, water, transportation, open spaces and the state of governance in the valley.
The report has been published in booklet form with photographs depicting the key positive changes
that the residents have identified as the ones they like about Kathmandu. The report also serves as the
source of indicators to enable effective monitoring of the state of Natural sources in Kathmandu.
Good governance workshops for elected office bearers of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC)
Kathmandu 2020 has launched a series of workshops aimed at sensitizing and involving the elected
local leaders of Kathmandu in inspiring them to positively impact the state of affairs in Kathmandu,
creating a shared vision and beginning key actions. 177 persons are elected to the Kathmandu city
council from 35 wards or sub-municipal areas. One of the key components of the good governance
program was to get feedback form the citizens in the form of a Report Card on the key indicators of
good governance. Kathmandu 2020 would like to see the residents of Kathmandu actually vote on
agendas to address issues in future elections than to the political parties. The program is being carried
out in collaboration with UNDP's Urban Good Governance Program.
Air Quality- citizens group guide
The air quality group of Kathmandu 2020 has prepared an action plan to improve on the various source
of air pollution in Kathmandu. The booklet contains key actions and many simple ideas that can
contribute to improve the state of air quality in Kathmandu. The group has also been successful in
getting support from Toyota to print the booklet for wider distribution.
Citizen workshop
One of the key programmes and regular features of the Kathmandu 2020 campaign is the Citizen
Workshops. These are attended by all cross-sections of the residents including men, women, elderly
and children, rich and poor. These regular workshops are facilitated for day-long with 70 to 100 people
each time. The citizens actually pay for the cost of food and stationary making it a cost effective and
enjoyable experience. Part of the program was supported by UNICEF.
Heritage Walk
On the last Saturday of each month, a heritage walk is organized for the expatriate community in
Kathmandu talking them through unique and usually unknown or less exposed parts of Kathmandu.
The purpose is to get deeper insight into life of the people of the valley but also to win support for the
Kathmandu 2020 campaigns.
One School one heritage Campaign
There are numerous heritage sites located next to schools. Thousands of children who attend school
need to be made responsible to become the "watch-lions" of these sites. Just the knowledge that a
school has adopted a site and is responsible for its up keep may be enough to deter vandals, thieves and
squatters. In addition, children in Kathmandu will grow-up with a real sense of ownership of their
heritage. The process of getting schools to adopt a heritage site has been initiated. Over 30 schools
have already adopted the heritage sites.
Art Festival
Arts and drawing as well as wood and metal etching have used by the people of Kathmandu for
centuries to express their aspirations. We plan to use art as a key medium to help visualize the shared
vision that we want to aspire for our Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu 2020 has organized a valley wide
art festival where professionals as well as amateur school children came together to draw and print
their vision for Kathmandu in the year 2020 A.D.
Baseline survey
Baseline survey of Kathmandu metropolitan City (KMC) ward no 12, 19 and 20 have been completed.
Seven active volunteers of Kathmandu 2020 have already collected almost all the information about
the heritage sites and open spaces of 12, 19 and 20 wards of KMC. At the same time photo
documentation and case study have been prepared.
Roof Top Garden
Initial preparation of infrastructure has been completed. Composting training for the citizens residing
around ward no. 20 of KMC will take place very soon. The citizens of that ward have already started
segregating the organic and inorganic wastes, which comes out from their daily household activities.
They sell the inorganic waste to the waste collectors and make some money as well. Waste collectors
(kabads) collect those inorganic wastes (especially plastics) and sells it to the recycling factories.
These systems will incorporate the program of KMC in the solid waste management sector.
Garden Gate
This activity is about to complete. The citizens have improved in managing their solid waste around
the project site. Citizens residing around ward no.12 of KMC have become aware on environmental
and cultural issues and are putting their efforts to preserve that site.
Bagmati/Bishnumati River Conservation Awareness Campaign Festival
This Festival was held in coordination with Environmental Camps for Conservation Awareness
(ECCA) from December 20 – 22, 2002 at the bank of the Bagmati River.
Bagmati Prayer Day
Kathmandu 2020 is organizing Bagmati Prayer Day on the 16th of August. Bagmati Prayer Day is to
create the awareness and make commitment for the conservation of Bagmati River, to feel about the
intimacy and dependency with Bagmati and other rivers. To share common views, vision with similar
organizations for the conservation of Bagmati River.
Public toilet with bio-gas plant
In Pachali Bhairav area a public toilet along with biogas plant will be constructed. The toilet will be
constructed by Narayan Pariwar Club and for the biogas plant technical as well as financial support
will be provided by Clean Energy Nepal (CEN). Pachali Bhairav Development Centre will also
provide financial support. Local inhabitants around the Pachali Bhairav Area will use the biogas
produced from the plant. The local residents (sweepers) will look after the cleanness of the toilet and
the slurries, which come out from the plant, will be transported to the composting plant at Kankeswori
(Ward no. 19).
Squatter development programme
Lumanti and Federation of Squatters are helping Kathmandu 2020 to work with squatters around the
bank of Bishnumati River. It has been decided to construct eco toilets and improvement of water
supply system at the Bishnumati corridor.
Community composting
Through this project, a large size composting bin will be installed in ward no. 20 of KMC. Only the
installation cost will be supported by this project. Rest of the work will be performed by Nhu pucha (a
local club) and the local residents. Around 75 to 100 houses will be benefited by this project
Participation with Stall Programs
Every year Kathmandu 2020 participates with stalls to celebrate the auspicious day like Earthquake
Safety Day, World Heritage Day, World Environment Day, Earth Day and other festivals.
Sanskritik Mandal Radio program
Kathmandu 2020 and Narayan pariwar club have jointly boosted the one-year long informative and
intellectual radio programme on Metro FM 106.7 Mhz named as Sanskritik Mandal. The cultural radio
program that is aired for 45 minutes is a campaign to influence local people to conserve heritage of the
valley. The training and practices for the radio program has helped the local youth of Kathmandu,
Lalitpur, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur and Madhyapur to collect information and develop their skills needed to
authenticate. It has also helped in research activities in the archeological sectors. It had thirty-one
trained manpower for the data collection, script preparation, producing and finalizing the script as well
as anchoring.
Youth Discussions
Sanskritik Mandal, joint venture program of Kathmandu 2020 and Narayan Pariwar Club, had
organized Youth Discussions every first Wednesday of Nepali month as part of their Youth Discussion
Series Program for one year. The objectives of these discussions were to raise awareness and interest
of young people on the issues that affects them and also to promote discussion and debate on heritage
issues.
Vision Statement
Kathmandu 2020 has been actively helping the citizens formulate a vision for Kathmandu that is
challenging, inspiring, attainable and captivating. The five-year process that we have already
undertaken has resulted in the features of what will form a Kathmandu 2020 vision paper for
Kathmandu.
50 Breakthrough initiatives
Kathmandu 2020 has been able to make positive impact in the way the residents of the valley look
upon their role. Kathmandu 2020 is launching 50 breakthrough initiatives for the valley. Kathmandu
2020 volunteer has proposed 33 key activities and some of them are already being implemented to
come to meet the 50 initiative groups.
Traditional Music Fashionable
Traditional folk instruments means a lot to the Nepalese. These are the instruments, which we play
from birth to death. There are many unexplored instruments, which are yet to be known to us. So if we
talk about preserving, than they should be brought to the domain of the interest of youths. Kathmandu
2020 has launched a project called"Traditional Music Fashionable". The theme of the project is to
make traditional instrument fashionable that can address young people. As a part of this project
"Sarangi Sarangi Nai Ho" was organized on 21st March 2004. The performers were placed in front of
Twenty Pala (light which feed on oil and made up of mud) resembling Kathmandu 2020.
Media Communication Network
The residents of Katmandu today rely on both print and electronic media to make key decision related
to what they do?, what they buy ?what they live? All these can make or have made the great impact on
the natural and cultural landscapes of Katmandu. This links between the media and the behavioral
approach of the residents of Katmandu need to be tapped as a resource to create a shared vision for
Katmandu that we seek. It also allows us to get the residence to behave in a way that is compatible
with our collective and shared vision for Katmandu.
Pashupati to Buddha Conservation Campaign
The Valley is extremely rich in cultural heritage. It has seven monuments listed as world heritage sites:
Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar squares, Changu Narayan, Swayambhu, Bouddha and
Pashupati. UNESCO has however said that some of these sites may be removed from the list because
because they have not been properly preserved and managed. Our campaign is involved in Ecoheritage conservation through heritage education and promoting renovation work in the area of
Pashupati and Buddha.
Water Campaign "Fresh Water For All, For Ever"
Although water covers over three-quarters of the surface of the Earth, most of it is salty. A very small
percentage is available as fresh water for our direct use. Hence, fresh water is a treasure to protect and
conserve. Our fresh water resources are limited. By polluting or wasting water we will run short of
very valuable resources. We must therefore, be careful to keep it clean and conserve it for ourselves
and for future generations. Kathmandu 2020 has initiated a WATER CAMPAIGN for conserving
natural and traditional water resources.
Stone Spout Photo Exhibition
Stone spout is one important traditional water source in Kathmandu Valley, which meets the water
demand of an average family in Kathmandu. As we know the water demand in Kathmandu Valley is
190 million liters per day but still couldn't supply that demand. We want to make commitment the
Stone spout- traditional source of water as an alternative source of water. That's why; Kathmandu
2020 organized "STONE SPOUT PHOTO EXHIBITION" on 25th May 2004 (12th Jestha 2061) the
day of Siththi Nakha. This day is known as cleaning up of all the traditional sources of water (water
spout, well, pond, water shed etc) through our cultural and traditional aspects. Stone spout is one of the
tangible and historical monuments, made up of stone by our ancestors in the stage of Licchavi, Malla
and Shah. That is our pride, glory and heritage.
SODIS Campaign
Kathmandu 2020 is implementing solar disinfections of drinking water (SODIS) technology by August
2004 in Bhaktapur and Kirtipur for 500 and 1000 household respectively in association with ENPHO.
Kathmandu 2020 volunteers tested water quality at Bhaktapur and Kirtipur which was found low grade
containing germs. Because of the presence of the germs different types of water born diseases are seen
at different places. To defense against the germs one of the easiest and economic ways is the SODIS.
What Do We Plan To Achieve In The Upcoming Year 2004 – 2005
Citizen workshops (local and valley-wide) appreciative inquiry of the residents of Kathmandu
valley and Mayors’ roundtables
Learning from work we have done in the past years, we feel that one of the most effective programs
Kathmandu 2020 has been launching the local level citizen workshops. In addition we are hosting
regular programs and public hearings. We have adopted the appreciative inquiry tool to attain our
goals. This year we plan to organize many more of these (at least one every month). All age groups,
male and female have not only shown keen interest in the programs but have actually helped by paying
a small registration fee to cover refreshment costs. Two times a year, we plan to bring the different
groups together into a bigger meeting of the residents. In addition, this year, we plan to organize
Roundtables to undertake the visioning process as well as actions for the priority sectors with the
elected leaders of the valley.
Publication of status Report on Kathmandu as well as sectoral white papers with key indicators,
desired targets and the means of verification
Kathmandu 2020 has published a status paper clearly stating the state of affairs and key natural
resources in Kathmandu. For simple reading and effectiveness, the papers were organized around ten
key sectors ranging from air and water quality, greenery and heritage to population and governance.
Each time, the information was updated. The information as then translated into Nepali and circulated
to the widest possible audience. This year, we shall repeat and update the process and the status paper
to times and translate them for widest possible reach.
In addition we plan on bringing out two “white papers” – one on garbage collection and management
and the second on the management of Kathmandu’s globally unique built, cultural and natural heritage.
Further Kathmandu 2020 plans to collect, analyze and publish health related data from the various
hospitals in Kathmandu as a means to verify the fact that we are moving Kathmandu in a positive
direction. Kathmandu 2020 also plans on compiling ancient folk tales of Kathmandu that give the
message of conservation to the youth and children.
Campaign to conserve Kathmandu’s globally unique built, living and natural heritage
For this purpose, Kathmandu 2020 in partnership with others launching the Preparedness, Response
and Recovery strategy for heritage and cultural sites as well as to ensure the success of the “oneschool-one-heritage” campaign. This campaign hopes to get all schools in the valley to adopt at least
one heritage site and help preserve it as well as to get all school children to learn and attempt to master
at least one traditional skill, art, craft or occupation of the valley. Kathmandu 2020 has also initiated
regular programs on Metro F.M. in partnership with local youth groups- Narayan Pariwar Club. We
have also partnered with Nepal Forum for Environmental Journalists to lunch a special weekly
program on Bagmati as well as a prayer day for the series.
Investments in youth leadership and career development
We are asking all Kathmandu 2020 volunteers to help nominate another 2 volunteers with similar
interests so that we can orient them, train them and allow us to expand our work exponentially. This is
an intensive human resources development- work that will help the city and Nepal in the long run as
well. We also hope to encourage and provide opportunities for young people to take up carriers in
urban management.
Mobilizing disabled children and youth in the Kathmandu 2020 campaign
Kathmandu 2020 will succeed only if we succeed to get all sections of Kathmandu society to become
owners of the process and the products. Towards this end, we have decided to solicit the support from
the disabled members of our society as well.
Launching of the Kathmandu 2020 website
The power of the Internet and the ability to reach a large audience via this technology is going to be a
cornerstone in the Kathmandu 2020 campaign. By hosting a site, we are sharing our successes and
failures. We plan on starting new conversations about Kathmandu. We may even succeed in raising
additional resources for this campaign. The Internet is going to help us speed up the Kathmandu 2020
process.
Training teachers to teach better about Kathmandu
The curriculum teaching at the schools in Kathmandu contain a lot of information that are useful to
help attain the goals of the Kathmandu 2020 campaign. The teachers who are given the responsibility
to teach these subjects are not well trained and hence there is little or no impact of the classroom
education in changing the state of affairs in Kathmandu for the better. Kathmandu 2020 is launching a
special program to bridge this gap and mobilize high school students to create a shared vision as well
as implementing action plans to attain the vision.
Upgrading and strengthening the Kathmandu 2020 secretariat
The Kathmandu 2020 campaign is managed today by one full time person. The various groups that are
working with the priority sectors are launching programs and projects and they need support. We have
the mammoth task of being able to monitor and ensure quality programs to all groups. We do not wish
to spread ourselves too thin. All this is going to require that we not only continue to launch and expand
our programs but that we actually invest in the secretariat and the needed infrastructure. Kathmandu
2020 seeks your support for this. A generalized reserved center has also been initiated with the goal of
providing our volunteers and partners with up to date information on Kathmandu.
Appreciative Inquiry based Seminars, Workshops and Stalls conducted
by Kathmandu 2020
AI based Activities
Visioning Workshops
Workshops for Coach team
Workshops for Clubs/NGOs 1st Batch
Workshops for Clubs/NGOs 2nd Batch
Workshops for Clubs/NGOs 2nd Batch
Workshops for Local Clubs and Schools
1995-1999
Facilitators
Anil Chitrakar
Ravi Pradhan
Bhushan Tuladhar
Ravi Pradhan
Ravi Pradhan
Ravi Pradhan
Sahadev Mahat
GRASS Team
(Govinda Sing
Rupendra Maharjan
Amara Aryal
Shriju Pradhan
Shiva Devi Dhakal)
Venue
GIA Hall, Lainchaur
Galaxy School
Galaxy School
Galaxy School
Galaxy School
Kathmandu, Patan and
Kiritpur
2nd Oct 1999- 20 Sept 2003
Yr
AI based Activities
Facilitator
1999 Two Days Large multi-stakeholder
Ravi Pradhan
conference (Constructing the new future Bhushan Tuladhar
for Kathmandu Valley) on the basis of
1000 Appreciative interviews conducted
by KTM 2020 volunteers
1999- Workshops for ten sectors
Sahadev Mahat
2000
Dhruba Acharya
Venue
Bhutpurba
Sainik
Sangathan
UK. C.
Forestry,
2000
2000
2001
Two Day Mini Conference
(Constructing the new future for
Kathmandu Valley)
Citizen Level Workshop
Ravi Pradhan
Anil Chitrakar
KMC Ward Chair person including
woman ward members
6 Month
Sahadev Mahat
Dhruba Acharya
Sher Thapa
2001
Two Day W/S for Department heads of
KMC
2001- Series AI orientation classes to 70
2002 Schools of valley
2002
Youth Leadership Development 1 year
long Workshops for 30 local clubs
2001
Visioning Kathmandu
2001
Visioning Bagmati workshops
2003
2002
Visioning Pachali
Youth Leadership Development
Workshops
to SLC passed students
2002 Youth Leadership Development
Workshops
to Local clubs of KMC 12, 19 & 20
2002 AI workshop for KMC ward
12, 19 & 20
2002- Youth Leadership Development
2003 Workshops
6 month long
2003 Appreciative Inquary Workshop (2 Day)
2003
2004
Sher Thapa
Sahadev Mahat
Dhruba Acharya
KTM 2020 Eco
Heritage volunteer
Team
Shadev Mahat
Dhruba Acharya
Sher Thapa
Anil Chitrakar
Anil Chitrakar
Sahadev Mahat
Shadev Mahat
Dhruba Maharjan
Baluwatar/
Bhanu M.V
Pulchok
Campus
Redcross
Building
Pulchok
Campus/
Redcross
Building
Hotel
Marshyandi
Redcross/
NHS
Satungal/
Thankot
Puspalal
Memorial
Park, Kirtipur
Ecca office/
Pachali
Pachali
NPC Building
Teku
Dhruba Acharya
Paropkar
building
Dhruba Acharya
KTM 2020
office
Bhaktapur
Rupendra Maharjan
Swadesh Maharjan
Sahadev Mahat
Dr. Ganapati Ozha
Budhhi Tamang
(Dr. Mac Odell)
Two Days Citizen Level Workshop Cum Sahadev Mahat
Seminar (Constructing the new future for Sher Thapa
Kathmandu Valley)
50 initiatives group workshops (Since
Anil Chitrakar
January 2004)
KTM 2020
office
Pulchok
Campus
KTM 2020
office and
Crafted In
Kathmandu
AI stall programs Conducted by Kathmandu 2020
Date
2000
Program
Earthquake day (5 Day)
Organizer
NSET Nepal
2000
New Millennium Festival (6 Day)
2001
World Environment Day (1 Day)
Global Youth
Meet
MOPE
2002
2002
Earthquake day (5 Day)
Bagmati Festival (2 Day)
Venue
Exhibition Hall
Pradarshani
Marga
Tudikhel
International
Seminar Hall,
New
Baneshwor
Jawakhel
Teku Dovan
NSET Nepal
Kathmandu
2020/Ecca
2003 Earthquake day (4 Day)
NSET Nepal
Bhaktapur
2004 Earthquake day (4 Day)
NCET Nepal
Lainchaur
2004 World Water Day (2 Day)
NGO Forum
R. Sabhagriha
Note: On the basis of appreciative interview Kathmandu 2020 is regularly publishing white paper
named Where Kathmandu Headed, current status and vision 2020.
Kathmandu 2020 History Brief
Concept Developed on 1995
Established: Beginning of 1996 (2052)
Office shifted from Paknajol to Dillibazar, from Ashwin 2053 (October 1996)
Registered in CDO Office: July 26, 1998 (Srawan 10, 2055)
Office location: ECCA office till mid May 1999 (Baishak 2056)
Office shifted to Takshyabahal, Asan, from mid May 1999 (Jestha 1, 2056)
Office shifted to Manbhawan, Lalitpur, from 6th Kartik 2058
Office shifted to Ecca Building, Jwagal, Kupandol, from 1st Baishakh 2061
Kathmandu 2020
Kupondole, Jwagal
GPO Box 4838, Kathmandu
Phone: 977-1- 5550452
Tel/ Fax: 977-1-55523870
Email: ktm2020@wlink.com.np
Web Page: www.kathmandu2020.org