Open Space Mapping and Identification

Background

Open space refers to land least developed for residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional use. After the Gorkha 2015 earthquake, the need for open space was felt. It could provide safe shelter during disasters and function as a temporary relief distribution area in a selected place. Realizing the need for open spaces in the Changunarayan municipality, the Project partnered with NAXA pvt ltd to map open space in all 9 municipality wards. It used high-resolution images and drones to map open spaces in all municipality wards. These tools allowed municipal authorities to systematically survey potential evacuation sites, areas, and other open spaces during emergencies. Mapping was revised according to their geographical, climate, area, water, and fundamental condition. 

ISET Nepal, Changunarayan Municipality, and NAXA organized a joint orientation workshop, inviting key stakeholders and local people to validate the identified open spaces. The Changunarayan government has supported disaster preparedness and response capabilities by maintaining comprehensive data on the identified open spaces. This activity marks the value of community engagement in urban planning and management.

Raising public awareness of open space benefits, from preserving ecosystems to boosting property values and quality of life, is essential to protecting these assets through informed land use planning and community. Fostering dialogue around open space identification aligns the municipality’s disaster response strategies with the needs and perspectives of the Changunarayan residents.

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