Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC - Kathmandu Mahanagarpalika) is a local government in Kathmandu District, Bagmati Province, Nepal. Kathmandu, which serves as Nepal's federal capital, is also the country's first metropolitan city. It was declared a metropolitan city on Mangsir 29, 2052 BS, and is administratively divided into 32 wards.

The metropolitan government operates under the Constitution of Nepal, the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), and other applicable laws. Its responsibilities include basic and secondary education, basic healthcare, local roads and infrastructure, sanitation, solid waste management, building permits, local revenue collection, vital event registration, and cultural heritage conservation.

According to the National Population and Housing Census 2021 (2078 BS), Kathmandu Metropolitan City had a population of 862,400 and 238,966 households. The metropolitan government's official institutional profile reports an area of 50.67 square kilometres, while the National Statistics Office uses 49.45 square kilometres in its census statistics. These figures should be understood in the context of their respective official sources.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City: Key Information

Source: Official institutional profile of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the National Statistics Office's Nepal Statistical Year Book 2023, Table 1.7.

Historical Development

The history of Kathmandu's urban civilisation should be distinguished from the history of its modern municipal administration. Settlements, trade, religious activities and cultural traditions have developed in the Kathmandu Valley since ancient times. However, the institutional history of modern local administration belongs to a more recent period.

According to the metropolitan government's published institutional profile, modern municipal administration began in 1976 BS with the establishment of the Safai Adda (Sanitation Office). Initially, the institution was primarily responsible for urban sanitation and the management of the public environment.

The institution's name, administrative structure and responsibilities subsequently changed under different legal and administrative arrangements.

From Municipality to Metropolitan City

Kathmandu was declared a metropolitan city on Mangsir 29, 2052 BS, becoming Nepal's first metropolitan city.

The date of its declaration as a metropolitan city, the beginning of modern municipal administration and the history of ancient Kathmandu are three distinct historical developments. They should therefore be presented separately in an institutional profile.

Local Government After Federal Restructuring

The Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS (2015), established local governments as constitutional components of the country's governance structure.

Schedule 8 of the Constitution specifies the exclusive powers of local governments, while Schedule 9 identifies powers shared among the federal, provincial and local governments.

The Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), sets out the functions, duties, powers, organisational structures and financial administration of local governments.

Under this legal arrangement, Kathmandu Metropolitan City operates as a local government through its Municipal Assembly, Municipal Executive, Judicial Committee and administrative institutions.

Geographical Location and Urban Characteristics

Kathmandu Metropolitan City occupies a central urban area of the Kathmandu Valley. Its territory includes historic settlements, government offices, commercial centres, residential neighbourhoods, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and cultural heritage sites.

The metropolitan government's official introduction places Kathmandu at approximately 1,400 metres above sea level.

Differences in Reported Area

Two official sources provide different figures for the geographical area of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

The metropolitan government's institutional profile reports an area of 50.67 square kilometres. However, the National Population and Housing Census 2021 uses an area of 49.45 square kilometres.

The census population density of 17,440 persons per square kilometre is based on the area of 49.45 square kilometres.

As the official technical reason for the difference between these figures has not been established, neither should be described as a correction of the other or treated as inaccurate without supporting evidence.

Administrative Boundaries

Kathmandu Metropolitan City shares boundaries with several neighbouring local governments. Lalitpur Metropolitan City lies to its south, while areas administered by other municipalities in Kathmandu District lie to its north, east and west.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Kathmandu District and the wider Kathmandu Valley are distinct administrative and geographical areas.

A school, hospital, business, property or public location situated within the Kathmandu Valley does not necessarily fall under the jurisdiction of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

For property taxation, building permits, local recommendations and other administrative services, individuals must identify the local government and ward with jurisdiction over the relevant location.

Rivers and Drainage Systems

The Bagmati, Bishnumati, Dhobikhola and Tukucha are among the rivers and waterways associated with Kathmandu's natural drainage system.

As the city has expanded, river conservation, sewerage management, monsoon drainage and the management of public spaces along riverbanks have become important urban concerns.

Although the metropolitan government has responsibilities in these areas, river management and major infrastructure projects may also involve other local governments, provincial authorities and federal agencies.

Ward Structure and Local Administration

Kathmandu Metropolitan City is administratively divided into 32 wards, numbered from 1 to 32.

Under the constitutional arrangement, each ward has a Ward Committee comprising an elected Ward Chairperson and four elected members. Ward offices provide various local services in accordance with applicable laws.

The metropolitan area's ward structure covers both historic inner-city neighbourhoods and more recently developed residential and commercial areas.

Historic Inner-City Areas

Asan, Indra Chowk, Makhan, Naradevi, Maru, Hanuman Dhoka and their surrounding neighbourhoods are closely associated with Kathmandu's historic urban character.

These areas contain traditional residential buildings, commercial lanes, temples, bahas, bahis, patis, sattals, stone water spouts and other cultural structures.

Infrastructure development and building renovation in historic neighbourhoods must take account of heritage conservation standards and relevant legal requirements.

Other Urban Areas

Residential, commercial, administrative and service-related activities take place in Naxal, Lazimpat, Maharajgunj, Chabahil, Boudha, Balaju, Kalanki, New Baneshwor, Koteshwor and their surrounding areas.

The urban structure, public mobility patterns, road networks and demand for local services differ across these areas.

Ward-level planning, infrastructure management and service expansion require coordination between the specific needs of each locality and metropolitan priorities.

The metropolitan government publishes the locations and contact details of all 32 ward offices on its official website.

Population and Demographic Profile

According to the National Population and Housing Census 2021, Kathmandu Metropolitan City had a total population of 862,400.

Of this population, 438,256 were male and 424,144 were female. The metropolitan city had 238,966 households.

Key Demographic Indicators from the 2021 Census

Source: National Statistics Office, Nepal Statistical Year Book 2023, Table 1.7, based on the National Population and Housing Census 2021 local-level data.

Population Change

The National Statistics Office's published figures record Kathmandu Metropolitan City's population as 975,453 in 2011 and 862,400 in 2021.

According to the same table, the average annual population growth rate between the two censuses was negative 1.18%.

These are historical census figures. They should not be presented as the metropolitan city's current population or as a count of all people present in the city on a typical day.

Daily Commuting and Demand for Public Services

Kathmandu is a centre of federal administration, education, healthcare, employment and commercial activities. Consequently, people from neighbouring local governments regularly travel into the metropolitan area.

The population recorded as residing within the metropolitan city during the census may therefore differ from the number of people using its roads and other public infrastructure each day.

Local planning must consider not only the census population but also the demand for services generated by daily commuting.

Governance Structure and Administrative Organisation

Kathmandu Metropolitan City's governance structure consists of the Municipal Assembly, Municipal Executive and Judicial Committee.

Their composition, powers and operating procedures are determined by the Constitution of Nepal and the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017).

Municipal Assembly

Article 223 of the Constitution of Nepal provides for a Municipal Assembly in every municipality.

The Municipal Assembly consists of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Ward Chairpersons, four elected members from each ward, and members of the Municipal Executive elected from Dalit or minority communities in accordance with the Constitution.

The Municipal Assembly serves as the local legislative body.

Its principal responsibilities include making local laws, approving annual policies and programmes, passing the budget and making other decisions authorised by law.

Municipal Executive

The Municipal Executive is the executive body of the metropolitan government.

Under Article 216 of the Constitution, the Municipal Executive consists of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Ward Chairpersons and additional members elected by the Municipal Assembly.

Based on the constitutional structure applicable to a metropolitan city with 32 wards, Kathmandu Metropolitan City's Municipal Executive has a prescribed membership of 42.

This figure represents the legally established composition. The actual number of members serving at a particular time may differ if positions are vacant.

The Municipal Executive implements policies, laws, plans and budgets approved by the Municipal Assembly and makes decisions concerning local administration.

Judicial Committee

Article 217 of the Constitution provides for a three-member Judicial Committee in each municipality, coordinated by the Deputy Mayor.

The Municipal Assembly elects the other two members from among its members.

Section 47 of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), defines the jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee.

The committee handles disputes specified by law. It has the authority to decide certain disputes, while other disputes are addressed through mediation.

The Judicial Committee does not have the same jurisdiction as a court. Before submitting a dispute to the committee, its nature and the relevant legal provisions should be established.

Chief Administrative Officer

The Chief Administrative Officer leads the metropolitan government's administrative operations.

The officer's responsibilities include coordinating the implementation of decisions made by the Municipal Assembly and Municipal Executive, managing personnel administration, implementing approved budgets and programmes, and performing other duties prescribed by law.

The metropolitan government's departments, divisions, sections and ward offices form part of its administrative structure.

Constitutional Powers and Major Areas of Responsibility

Schedules 8 and 9 of the Constitution of Nepal and the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), define the principal powers and responsibilities of local governments.

Some functions of Kathmandu Metropolitan City fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of local governments, while others relate to powers shared among federal, provincial and local authorities.

The exercise of these responsibilities is governed by applicable federal, provincial and local laws, depending on the subject.

Education Administration and School Management

Kathmandu Metropolitan City's principal responsibilities in education concern the local management of basic and secondary school education.

Under applicable laws, the metropolitan government carries out functions relating to school authorisation, regulation, monitoring, local educational programmes and education administration.

Basic and Secondary Education

The metropolitan government's education administration performs its statutory responsibilities concerning community and institutional schools.

These responsibilities include school management, implementation of local education policies, monitoring, record management and matters relating to local curricula.

Standards for school admission, scholarships and other educational facilities are determined by the applicable official provisions for the relevant academic session.

Local Curriculum and Nepal Bhasa

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has implemented a local curriculum related to Nepal Bhasa and local culture at the basic education level.

The curriculum, titled ‘येँ देय् म्हसिके’ (Let's Get to Know Kathmandu), is a local-language curriculum introduced by the metropolitan government.

It covers local place names, language, script, festivals, traditions, cultural heritage, everyday life and local knowledge associated with Kathmandu.

The metropolitan government's official news service has published information about the teaching and assessment of this curriculum.

Jurisdiction Over Higher Education

Various universities and colleges operate within Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

However, not every higher education institution located within its boundaries falls under the metropolitan government's direct academic control.

University curricula, examinations, affiliations, academic recognition and regulatory matters are governed by the legal provisions applicable to the respective universities and authorised regulatory bodies.

Basic Healthcare and Public Health

Kathmandu Metropolitan City's health-related responsibilities include basic healthcare services, local public health promotion and the management of health programmes.

The metropolitan government implements health-related programmes within its legal jurisdiction and coordinates with relevant agencies.

Public health awareness, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and local healthcare management are among the areas associated with these responsibilities.

Ownership and Operation of Healthcare Institutions

Federal government, private, university-affiliated and other healthcare institutions operate within Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

The metropolitan government does not directly own or operate all these institutions.

The geographical location of a hospital within metropolitan boundaries does not, by itself, establish that the hospital is operated by Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

Information about a hospital's ownership, services, fees and regulatory arrangements should be obtained from the hospital concerned and the relevant authorised bodies.

Urban Infrastructure, Building Construction and Environmental Management

Kathmandu Metropolitan City's responsibilities include local roads, public spaces, sanitation, building management and environmental services.

Because the metropolitan area combines historic settlements with modern urban neighbourhoods, infrastructure management requires coordination among different government agencies.

Local Roads and Public Infrastructure

The metropolitan government carries out work relating to local roads, lanes, pedestrian routes and public infrastructure within its jurisdiction.

However, not all roads and infrastructure located within metropolitan boundaries are the responsibility of the metropolitan government.

National and strategic roads and specialised infrastructure may fall under the jurisdiction of federal agencies or other authorised bodies.

Building Permits and Plan Approval

Kathmandu Metropolitan City uses an Electronic Building Permit System (e-BPS) for building construction permits and plan approval procedures.

The system is used for building permit applications, administrative processes relating to construction plans, and the management of building records.

Construction must comply with the applicable National Building Code, local building standards and relevant legal procedures.

The procedures for obtaining plan approval, construction permits and building completion certificates may differ according to the nature of the building and the applicable standards.

Additional legal or technical requirements may apply in cultural heritage areas and other locations subject to special regulations.

Updated information about building construction standards and procedures is available through the metropolitan government's e-BPS platform.

Official Building Permit System: https://ebps.kathmandu.gov.np/

Solid Waste and Sanitation Management

Public sanitation and solid waste management fall within the metropolitan government's local responsibilities.

These activities include waste collection, segregation, transportation, cleaning of public areas and coordination with relevant agencies.

Other local governments and responsible authorities may also have roles in the final treatment and disposal of waste.

Residents should consult the metropolitan government's updated instructions for waste collection schedules, segregation requirements and other arrangements.

Local Disaster Management

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has responsibilities for local preparedness and response to earthquakes, fires, floods, inundation and other disasters.

These responsibilities include risk reduction, local coordination, disaster-related information management and cooperation with relevant security and rescue agencies.

The involvement of federal, provincial and other local authorities may be required depending on the nature of the disaster and the affected area.

Cultural Heritage and Historic Sites

Kathmandu Metropolitan City's urban identity is closely connected with historic settlements, religious sites, traditional structures and local cultural practices.

Its territory includes important monument zones inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the property named Kathmandu Valley on the World Heritage List in 1979.

This single World Heritage property consists of seven monument zones.

Four of these zones are located within Kathmandu Metropolitan City: Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.

The remaining three zones are Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changu Narayan, which are located within other local government jurisdictions.

The four monument zones within Kathmandu Metropolitan City should therefore be understood as components of the single World Heritage property known as Kathmandu Valley, rather than as four separate World Heritage properties.

Conservation of Local Heritage

Kathmandu Metropolitan City contains traditional bahas, bahis, patis, sattals, stone water spouts, ponds, temples and other historic public structures.

The metropolitan government, Department of Archaeology, relevant heritage management bodies and local communities all have roles in conserving these sites.

Restoration, reconstruction and new construction within heritage areas must comply with applicable conservation standards and required approvals.

Local Revenue, Budget and Financial Administration

Kathmandu Metropolitan City collects local revenue, prepares budgets and manages public expenditure in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.

The Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), establishes provisions governing the financial operations of local governments.

Internal Revenue

The metropolitan government may collect various local taxes, fees and charges as authorised by law.

These may include property tax, house rent tax, business tax, and fees and charges associated with local services.

Actual tax rates, exemptions, penalties and payment procedures are determined by the laws and approved arrangements applicable to the relevant fiscal year.

Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers

In addition to internal revenue, local governments may receive fiscal transfers from the federal and provincial governments in accordance with the law.

These include arrangements for fiscal equalisation grants, conditional grants, complementary grants and special grants.

The receipt of grants, budget allocations and actual expenditure are different financial indicators. Their assessment requires the official financial statements for the relevant fiscal year.

Annual Budget Process

Under Section 71 of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), the estimated revenue and expenditure for the forthcoming fiscal year must be approved by the Municipal Executive and submitted to the Municipal Assembly by Asar 10.

The budget presented to the Municipal Assembly then proceeds through the discussion and approval process prescribed by law.

To understand the metropolitan government's budget size, actual expenditure, revenue collection and financial performance, readers should consult its official annual budgets, financial reports and audit documents for the relevant fiscal year.

Public Services and the Role of Ward Offices

Kathmandu Metropolitan City's 32 ward offices are the primary points of direct contact between residents and the local administration.

Section 12 of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), specifies the functions, duties and powers of Ward Committees.

Vital Event Registration

Vital event registration covers births, deaths, marriages, divorces and migration.

According to information published by the Department of National ID and Civil Registration, vital events can be registered at the office of the local registrar in the person's permanent residential area or at the location where the event occurred.

Generally, registration is free of charge if completed within 35 days of the event. Registration after this period is subject to the prescribed late registration fee.

Required documents, eligibility to report an event and other conditions may vary depending on the type of event and the applicable legal provisions.

Recommendations and Certifications Issued by Ward Offices

Ward offices provide various administrative recommendations and certification services in accordance with the law.

These may include recommendations related to citizenship, certification of family relationships, recommendations concerning houses and land, and other local administrative services.

However, citizenship certificates are issued by the relevant authorised administrative authorities. Obtaining a citizenship recommendation from a ward office is not the same as receiving a citizenship certificate.

As the required documents, fees and procedures may differ between services, applicants should consult the citizen charter of the relevant ward office.

Social Security Programmes

Ward offices are involved in managing beneficiary records, registration, renewal and other local administrative procedures associated with social security programmes.

Eligibility for social security allowances, payment amounts and distribution procedures are determined by the relevant laws and official instructions.

Citizen Charter

Kathmandu Metropolitan City provides information about the documents, fees and procedures required for various public services through its citizen charter.

Before applying for a service, residents should check the latest information about the responsible office, application procedures and required documents.

Official Citizen Charter: https://citizencharter.kathmandu.gov.np/

Metropolitan Office and Contact Information

Kathmandu Metropolitan City's head office is located at Kathmandu Plaza.

The metropolitan government's official website provides access to institutional information, public decisions, local laws, service details and information about relevant departments.

The metropolitan government's official contact page also provides contact details related to the Metropolitan Police, ambulance services, fire services and solid waste management.

As contact information, office hours and service locations may change, users should verify the latest details on the official website before contacting or visiting an office.