Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya has called for a critical re-evaluation of current road construction practices, specifically those involving riverbanks. During a recent event in Lalitpur, Acharya argued that past decisions favoring riverbank locations for convenience and material access must be reconsidered due to their long-term economic and environmental consequences. He criticized the current implementation of Environmental Impact Assessments and Initial Environmental Examinations, suggesting they are often treated as mere administrative formalities rather than rigorous safety evaluations. Highlighting the vulnerability of national connectivity to landslides and the rise in urban traffic accidents, the Mayor urged policymakers to prioritize sustainable transport and human safety. He emphasized that future infrastructure development must rely on comprehensive data analysis and a shift in policy to address systemic weaknesses, ensuring that urban mobility is both resilient and economically sound for the long term.
Source : Ratopati
Photo : Ratopati
