How Kathmandu Grew Wrong & What We Can Learn From History. In this podcast, we sit down with Padma Sundar Joshi, an expert in urban planning and heritage conservation, to explore the history and challenges of Kathmandu’s urbanization. The conversation begins with the history of Newa settlements and how they were self-sufficient, designed around rivers, and shaped community life. Joshi explains why Kathmandu floods today, the failure of land use planning, and how projects like the Ring Road and decisions by political figures accelerated unplanned growth. We dive into the population crisis, asking if decentralization is the solution, and uncover the role of temples and jatras in building community ties. Joshi highlights Kathmandu’s biggest urban challenge: mobility. He critiques failed infrastructure like the Gwarko flyover, and suggests ways to improve public transport. The podcast also touches on Joshi’s book Hiti Pranali, the importance of hitis in Patan, and how to revive them. We discuss whether Kathmandu’s soil is crumbling, why banning deep boring is necessary, and the troubled history of the Melamchi Project. Joshi also shares insights into Newa earthquake-resistant architecture, the lessons of the 2015 earthquake, and how retrofitting and traditional knowledge can protect future generations. This episode is a must-watch for anyone concerned about Kathmandu’s urban crisis, water scarcity, and earthquake preparedness.
