Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has approved two significant policies aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and managing urban lighting. During its 37th executive meeting led by Mayor Balendra Shah, the city endorsed the Agro Pooling Guideline 2081 and the Decorative Lighting Regulation 2081, signaling a step forward in urban sustainability and governance.
Highlights of the Agro Pooling Guideline 2081:
This initiative seeks to provide high-quality, organic, and affordable agricultural products to city residents. It will identify pocket areas for organic farming in collaboration with local governments and cooperatives. Key provisions include:
- Establishing agreements with cooperatives or companies for production and distribution.
- Enabling KMC to set up its own company for agricultural distribution.
- Ensuring quality testing, storage, and transport of agricultural goods at regulated rates.
- Classifying products into eight categories, ranging from grains and vegetables to dairy and meat.
The guideline also introduces a five-member management committee to oversee the process, aiming to ensure fair pricing for farmers and consumers while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Decorative Lighting Regulation 2081:
This regulation addresses the use of decorative lights, prohibiting their installation on trees and plants due to environmental and aesthetic concerns. Key features include:
- Mandatory permissions for installing lights in public or business areas.
- Limiting festival lighting to a maximum of seven days.
- Emphasizing energy efficiency and minimizing adverse effects on urban biodiversity.
Broader Implications:
These guidelines align with KMC’s recent measures to enhance city aesthetics and governance. For example, the city has already restricted outdoor advertisements in sensitive areas, such as heritage sites and diplomatic zones, to maintain urban beauty and comply with local laws
This move also reflects KMC’s ongoing focus on integrating sustainable practices into urban management, setting a precedent for other municipalities across Nepal.