On November 9, 2024, Bikalpa: an alternative organized the Biratnagar Citizen Campaign which brought stakeholders from different backgrounds to discuss the issues faced by locals and to analyses the works of the Biratnagar metropolitan in hope of finding feasible solutions. With the total participation of 52 members ranging from education sector, social activists, media sector, advocates, Business person who reside within Biratnagar metropolitan.
The program started at 2:00pm with warm greeting and welcome to all the participants from Mr. Basanta Adhikari, director of Bikalpa –an alternative, highlighting the flow of discussion. The floor was open for further discussion on critical analysis of works and benefits done by Biratnagar metropolitan.
Key Challenges in Biratnagar’s Development
Limited Infrastructure Development Post-Metropolitan Declaration
Biratnagar was declared a metropolitan city on May 22, 2017. After the declaration, Biratnagar saw a rise in tax rates, but the infrastructure development is yet to keep pace. The facilities enjoyed by residents are comparable to a municipality rather than a metropolitan area, which raises concerns regarding the efficacy of the tax expenditure. The facilities that are available in the areas such as education, health, sports, transportation, recreation, sanitation, etc. still fall short of the required standards.
Lack of Vision in Urban Planning
The public infrastructure projects of Biratnagar seem to lack a well-defined long-term vision. Unmanaged construction works of the roads, drainages, etc. and half-way constructed Himalayan Road Park disrupt traffic management. The unmanaged and inefficient street lighting systems (such as on Selfie Road and airport) are perceived as a waste of taxpayers’ money. Thus, such poorly planned initiatives indicate a lack of effective urban planning. The event highlighted the need for increased public accountability from local authorities to ensure that resources are invested thoughtfully.
Stagnation of Sports Tourism and High Costs
The Rangasala being the sports stadium of Biratnagar is underutilized. The reason is associated with improper waste management and high costs deterring potential sports tourism development. These issues highlight ineffeciency in maintaining such public spaces that could be used as a medium to attract sports tourism.
Challenges in Employment Initiatives
To thrive local businesses and create employment opportunities, the government launched ‘Employment Fair’; however, it proved to be costly, and the outcomes of the initiative didn’t meet the expected standard. In spite of various other programs that were led to improve the current condition of unemployment, no visible effects are seen.
Environmental Issues and Water Pollution
Biratnagar faces severe water pollution, despite the cultural and religious significance of water in Nepal. Most of the water resources, like canals, rivers, etc., are badly polluted. The increase in pollution is mainly thought to be related to a lack of environmental awareness among the general public and negligence of the local government regarding waste management.
Educational Gaps and Youth Migration
Though Biratnagar is considered to be among one of the most developed cities in Nepal, it still lacks proper educational institutions and vocational training centers that generate potential skills for youth in their career development. Due to the absence of such facilities, youth of Biratnagar are compelled to migrate to other cities or abroad for better opportunities. It is the very reason that today Biratnagar faces the shortage of skilled youths that would impact greatly in the economic development of the city.
Limited Facilities for Medical Tourists
Multispeciality hospitals like Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Koshi Zonal Hospital, Golden Hospital, etc. are present within the sphere of the city. It serves as a healthcare destination for many people in the Morang district as well as for India. Despite being the medical hub, it comes with challenges of a reliable blood bank system, lodging facilities, parks, etc.
Youth Crime and Substance Abuse
Proximity to an open border (India) contributes to increased smuggling of drugs and other illegal substances, questioning the youth’s future. Furthermore, lax security near border areas shows that there is weak enforcement, and a lack of effective awareness-raising programs adds more to the problem.
Public Conduct and Pollution
Participants stated that only questioning authority is not a solution. The residents of Biratnagar are seen to exhibit undisciplined behavior, contributing to pollution and harm to public properties. Harming such shared resources increases the financial burden to the local authorities, and the interesting fact is that the financing is done with the local citizens’ very own tax money.
Proposed solutions for a prosperous Biratnagar
Improved Healthcare Accessibility
Increasing the awareness of the locals regarding existing health post facilities, which offer free checkups and medication, will be an effective step towards reaping the free services provided by the health posts. Also, establishing a blood bank near major hospitals to assist the large influx of patients will play a role in increasing medical tourism.
Urban greening initiatives
Solutions like replacing excessive, unmanaged street lights that pollute the environment with trees to promote greenery and energy conservation were presented. Planting trees near airport areas would play a factor of attraction for promoting tourism.
Night Market and Local Food Promotion
Biratnagar is a city that experiences high temperatures most of the year. Initiating programs to establish a night market that would be efficient to counter the hot climate, will help local street vendors generate more income and increase their visibility in the market. It directly helps stimulate the economy of the city and flourish the food culture among the residents as well as the tourists.
Community Engagement Programs
Launch a program similar to Sidha Kura Janta Sanga to facilitate direct communication between citizens and local government. It enables residents to voice concerns directly to the concerned authorities and stay informed on developmental plans. Engaging more women in such programs would be beneficial to understand the community’s issues in a broad way.
Educational and vocational training centers
Local authorities as well as the private sector should initiate training programs for youths by setting up training centers and institutions focused on skill development. It helps to reduce youth migration by providing them with local opportunities to thrive. Furthermore, it helps businesses to hire more competent employees, which increases business profitability.
Infrastructure Enhancements Around Medical Facilities
Building parks and affordable lodging facilities near hospitals to improve the experience for those visiting Biratnagar for healthcare services would directly affect the number of medical tourists influx in the city. It will be a step towards making BIratnagar a hub for medical tourists.
Support for local artists and cultural initiatives
Low-cost activities like mural painting, street art, etc. would be a remarkable initiative to beautify the city. It helps promote local art and provides the local artists a platform to showcase their talent. Organising music and dance competitions to celebrate local talent helps retain youths who might otherwise seek platforms in larger cities.
In conclusion, the program provided a platform to discuss the issues and opportunities present in today’s context of Biratnagar. Practical solutions for problems such as outdated infrastructure, lack of vision, jobs, and educational opportunities were given by the participants to make Biratnagar a hub for healthcare, education, tourism, and business.
