Sanepa’s greenery enhances urban beauty (Photos)

Kathmandu. The long delay in the construction of the second section of the Ring Road Expansion Project in the Kathmandu Valley has affected the overall urban character of the capital. People have been facing problems due to construction materials, dust, and unmanaged roads. However, the Sanepa area of Lalitpur along the Koteshwor-Kalanki road section under the Ring Road has become the center of attraction due to its greenery.

The Sanepa area has turned green after the trees planted along the roadside seven years ago in collaboration with Lalitpur Metropolitan City and various stakeholders have grown well. The greenery spread on both sides of the road has not only added to the beauty of the city but has also made a significant contribution in making the environment cleaner.

Locals, pedestrians, and commuters have been forced to stay on the roadside to rest and escape the heat, especially in the current summer season when dense trees provide coolness. The greenery has also made the busy roads more attractive and convenient for vehicles.

The Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC) has been implementing long-term plans and programs prioritizing the development of green cities. KMC has been carrying out tree plantation drives on both sides of the road, along the river banks and in areas prone to soil erosion.

Likewise, arrangements have been made to plant saplings of specific species as part of the social responsibility of the private sector. In order to control the increasing air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley, programmes have been taken up to expand greenery and protect environment in coordination with various stakeholders including the ‘Clean Air Project’.

Although many areas of the capital have been thrown into disarray due to the delay in the construction of the Ring Road, the greenery of Sanepa has presented a positive example of how planned tree plantation and long-term conservation can make the urban environment beautiful, clean and livable.