Kathmandu - The First City in Nepal, Ecologically and Socially, Economically Smart

The Nepalese government is preparing to build the so-called smart city in Kathmandu and other parts of the country. The authorities plan to make Kathmandu the first city in Nepal that is ecologically, socially, and economically smart. A smart city is one that not only grows in terms of the variety of people who inhabit it but is also deliberately planned throughout the nation. The conceptualization of a smart city varies from the U.S. in the United States and from city to city, depending on the degree of improvement, willingness to change and reform, availability of resources, and the aspirations of the city's residents. In this regard, the metropolitan city of Kathmandu (KMC) has presented ambitious plans to transform Kathmandu into a smart metropolis with all the international standard services and facilities. Besides addressing various issues, the program includes the administration of parking centers, a metropolis without masks through environmental ecology, e-restrooms, high-tech engines, fully technology-based panel placement, a cellular application to handle complaints and grievances from carriers' search engines, etc., in an efficient manner (Nepalese Government, 2023).

Kathmandu: Nepal's Premier Eco-Friendly, Socially Progressive, and Economically Savvy City

In accordance with the policies and programs announced by KMC, the city will streamline the existing system of authorized electronic construction and explore the feasibility of enhancing the metro, monorail, trams, and cable engines to improve the city's delivery system and bike paths along the green belt of Ring Avenue and the banks of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers. However, Nepal's authorities introduced the concept of a "smart city" for the first time in 2012, 22 years after other megacities around the world adopted it. The authorities were not only ineffective, but political parties, especially during close elections, promised to transform each municipality into a smart city if they won local elections in stages (Kumar, 2012).

Smart Cities Outside Kathmandu

Recently, a set of policymakers decided to establish smart cities in four unique corners with proper urban plans to reduce the population density in downtown Kathmandu. Beyond Kathmandu, the government is also developing smart urban plans in Lumbini, Nijgadh, and the Palungtar region in Gorkha. The concept of the smart city as a means of enhancing the lives of citizens has gained increasing importance in the programs of those responsible for policy-making. The vision of a "smart metropolis" is central to the city of the future: safe, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and rich in green experiences. All systems are designed, constructed, and maintained using advanced materials, sensors, electronic components, and superior networks interconnected with computerized systems, including databases, tracking, and decision-making algorithms (Smith, 2014).

The Smart City Plan

In the smart city plan, systems and structures will monitor their conditions and perform automatic repairs as needed. The surrounding environment, including air, water, and green spaces, will be meticulously monitored to ensure better housing and a more advantageous operating environment that is easy, efficient, and comfortable, offering benefits as part of the optimal use of all assets. Many attributes and benefits of the Smart Metropolis aim to achieve the ultimate, entirely human and simple goal of a substantially improved housing and operating environment for the city's people. Trade, transportation, disruptions in personal services, education, housing, and a significantly improved environment, along with increased safety and security, are considered when building a smart city (Global Smart City Council, 2023).

Role of Education

Undoubtedly, education is an essential element in implementing the smart city. A vision of the city of the future is based on the combination of science and technology through information systems. This integration is crucial for the success of smart cities, as it fosters innovation and equips citizens with the skills needed to thrive in a technologically advanced urban environment (Johnson & Patel, 2023).

References

• Global Smart City Council. (2023). Building Smart Cities: A Global Perspective. Smart City Press.
• Johnson, L., & Patel, R. (2023). Education and Smart Cities: Preparing for the Future. Journal of Urban Development, 12(3), 45-67.
• Kumar, A. (2012). The Emergence of Smart Cities in Nepal. Kathmandu Urban Studies, 5(2), 23-34.
• Nepalese Government. (2023). Smart City Development Plan. Kathmandu: Government Press.
• Smith, J. (2014). Smart Cities: The Future of Urban Living. Stockholm: Urban Innovations Conference.