The Kathmandu valley, one of the fastest growing cities worldwide, is facing severe socio-economic and environmental threats in the absence of a clear and comprehensive planning and land use policy, according to planners.Rapid expansion of the urban environment, coupled with unmanaged settlements and unplanned development, has led the Capital to suffer from air pollution, water pollution, traffic congestion, haphazard solid waste disposal and the loss of a rich cultural heritage.Although road expansion work in the Kathmandu city has been going on in full swing, concerned authorities appear completely oblivious about the messy manner in which it is being carried out. Of the myriad problems stemming from the road widening drive, poor management of telephone and electricity wires--either dangling from poles or just lying on the road--is proving to be a vexing one for both pedestrians and motorists. As the problem has persisted right from the beginning of the drive, the public are frustrated at how unconcerned government authorities can be about issues that inconvenience common citizens every day.
