IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Prof. Kabi Prasad Pokhrel; Padma Kumar Mainalee; Surendra Mohan Shrestha

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

Promotion of polycentric growth: strategy for sustainable settlement development in Federal Nepal

Prof. Kabi Prasad Pokhrel, Padma Kumar Mainalee, Surendra Mohan Shrestha

Abstract :

The present paper is an analysis of potential settlement locations for polycentric settlements (growth center) development and their expected contribution in socio–cultural, economic, environment and transport as spatial development patterns in the rural areas of Nepal. Reviewing concepts and theories of polycentric growth, national urban development policies and strategies, the study shows the polycentric settlements (growth centers) could ensure the balanced socio–economic development of rural municipal areas based on spatial development. The strategy would useful to promote agglomerative economies, economic growth; and also generate a disproportionate number of trips and promotes transit ridership. Thus, the focus of the study is to the policy support for polycentric settlement (growth centre) development. National policy framework of the polycentric settlement development can improve the livelihood of the rural population and also meet the national goal of peace, prosperity, and sustainable progress. Further, the study suggests that polycentric settlement model as a sustainable development strategy requires careful coordination of local, provincial and federal level budgetary systems designed to balance development within a center’s periphery. It is recommended that the development strategy of the country has to make paradigm shift from monocentric i.e. urbanization to polycentric settlements or growth centers development which could encourage the concentration of socio–economic as well as physical infrastructure services with economic growth in superior settlement centers(service centers). The livelihood opportunities would be increased through the growth centers by developing available resources based entrepreneurships in the hinterland area. Moreover, polycentric settlement development strategy can help to ensure the territorial identity, social innovation and cultural importance of the growth centers those evolved in the center as well as neighbors of the centers in spatial development perspectives.