URBAN GROWTH AND LAND USE CHANGE IN THE HIMALAYAN REGION: A CASE STUDY OF POKHARA SUB-METROPOLITAN CITY, NEPAL

摘要

Land is basic natural resource to human being which is available every corner of the world. The concept of changing landuse pattern is often considered a holistic approach of land surface, which is related to the use of land in a certain region at certain time. Pokhara Sub-Metropolis is located in central part of the country; it extends from 83°58'30" east to 84°2'3" east longitudes and 28°10' north to 28°16' north latitudes. It directly falls under the shadow and in the south-facing lap of the majestic Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mt. Annapurna. Seti and its tributaries of the Gandaki drainage system drain this area. The total area of the Pokhara Sub-metropolis is 5646.61 hectare and the population in 1952/54 was 3755, which has increased 95286 in 1991. The multitudes of cultures and ethnicity of the communities have been attracted in different spheres. The river Seti divides the city in two parts - eastern and western. Urban growth and land use transformation are affecting sustainable use of the bio -physical resources for the food, fuel wood, fodder, clothing and shelter. This study analyzed the relationship between the urban growth and landuse changes and their impact on the Pokhara Sub-metropolis. Primary and secondary sources of information- Topographical and aerial photographs were used to document land use changes. All the information was digitized and changes were evaluated quantitatively using Geographical Information System (GIS software) on PC. Analysis of the study shows that eradication of endemic of malaria, tourism development, education institutions, hospitals, air and road network and pension paying camps have contributed the rapid urban development of Pokhara Sub-metropolis in one hand and the natural phenomena- lakes, river, suitable climate and beautiful scene and sceneries of Himalayas have added the urban growth and resultant the change in urban land use on the other.