Situational Analysis

After getting information about the Bagdole Area through different participatory methods, it made it easy to choose the focus area for further analysis and find out if the area has any problems associated with its usage. I used methods like transect walks, direct observation, interviews (formal and informal), online surveys, etc. These all methods were very useful to gather information about the Bagdol Area also considering the impact of the Covid-19 situation. Through the outcome of the observation and survey I chose my focus area to be Basinavdevi Temple Area for further analysis.

Land Use: Numerous commercial buildings were seen on the areas near Basinavdevi Temple. Most of them had shops on the ground and first floor; residential apartments on the third and subsequent floors. Mostly the commercial buildings were on the sides of the main roads. The buildings on the inner parts of Bagdole Area were mostly residential houses. The temple area is triangular shape which consists of a shrine at one corner and numerous cremation spots at other side. Other spaces are mostly covered with trees and bushes along sides the way to the temple.

Road Ways: The Baisnavdevi temple area is just 600m away from Ring Road at Nakkhudobato and 300m from Ekantakuna. It is accessible with public busses which leave from Langankhel, Lalitpur and Ratnapark, Kathmandu at any time of the day.

Figure 21. Land Use Map of Baisnavdevi Temple Area

COVID-19 Situation

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit Nepal very hard. Since the NG had imposed a lockdown of the country it was hard during the initial observation of the site, as people were not allowed to go outside of the house unless it is essential to work (buy foods, medicine, or go to the hospital). Also, there would not be any people on the road or around the temple area (main observation site) due to which a realistic spatial usage/data could not be collected. Mostly, people were allowed to go out from 6 am – 9 am only in the morning. The market area had seen quite people coming there to buy vegetables in the morning. But, both the temple spaces and the market area would become no-man's land during the afternoon and evening due to the strict lockdown to contain the Covid-19 situation in Kathmandu. However, after the lockdown had been lifted by the NG people started coming out and using the space of the temple area. People were seen to maintain strict social distancing and were seen interacting with each other very minimum.

Stakeholder Analysis

Local Governments: The Lalitpur Metropolitan Office and Ward No. 4 Office are responsible to conduct any kind of development work around the area. The budget is allocated from Lalitpur Metropolitan Office to the Ward Office for the development activities to be initiated in the area.

Guthis : Guthis is the Newari Community Social Organization that regulates the social-economic system of the temple and cultural sites in Kathmandu Valley. They are believed to be operating since Lichhavi Period (since 1500 years ago). The organization only consists of Newar community people and is also responsible for many festivals inside the Kathmandu Valley. Any activities concerning the development of the temple areas are conducted by the local government through the Guthis System.

Residents of Bagdole: Residents of the Bagdole Area are also one of the main stakeholders of the Baisnavdevi

Temple Area. They are the ones who use the spaces and have most of the opinions and ideas how the space can be improved for better.

Users: The other stakeholders are the users of the spaces. These include by-passers, vendors, market owners, etc.

Figure 22. Power-Interest Diagram of Baisnavdevi Temple 45

Figure 23. SWOT Analysis of Baisnavdevi Temple

Risk Assessment

Earthquake

In April 2015, Nepal was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 8.1 where 9000 people died and 22000 people were injured ( Wikipedia April 2015 Nepal Earthquake). Many historical sites and residential houses were flattened in the Kathmandu Valley. The scientific researchers say that the city could face other massive earthquakes in the coming years (Source: ETH Zurich) which have instilled fear within the people. So, there is still a potential risk of earthquake and fear of it in the people.

Figure 24. Earthquake

When I talked to people about the tragedy that struck Nepal in 2015 they are still fearful that a similar kind of situation may happen in the future. The traumatic experiences have impacted them so much that their eyes turn into tears when they talk about it (especially the elder people). Seeing the situation, there seem to be a need of general awareness about the Earthquake and what to do or not do during the time. Also, some rules from the government which would allow passing the design of new building only if it complies with the National Building Codes would be feasible in creating safe housing. Similarly, a concept of Retrofit should be considered for every structure which is old and is not based on National Building Codes. This would strengthen the existing structure against any seismic forces in the future and protect the population from mishappenings.