ABSTRACT
In rapidly urbanizing Nepal, housing has been one of the important development challenges. Urban policy generally does not take into consideration housing for the urban poor and informal housing in particular. Those who reside in informal settlements – called sukumbasi – face several difficulties: threat of eviction and social exclusion, and refused access to basic infrastructure services like power, sanitation, and drinking water. Many informal communities are located on the riverbanks and unstable hill slopes and are subsequently more vulnerable to environmental hazards such as flooding. The chapter is based on a retrospective study of the participatory approach intended to manage informal housing of sukumbasi squatters. The case study is that of Kirtipur Housing Project in Kathmandu, aimed at relocating the informal housing along the Vishnumati River Corridor in 2003. The study applies an environmental justice and capabilities approach as its conceptual framework. It demonstrates how fostering partnerships between informal settlers and planners can enhance their political competence to present an alternative strategy. Through participation, communities can expand their knowledge base, alter their political networks, and exert influence on urban planning patterns. The research emphasizes the importance of housing-related capabilities taking into account social, economic, environmental, physical, and institutional aspects.
