4 “R” Approach of Catastrophic Disaster of Melamchi Flood: A Sustainable Urban Planning

Abstract

This 4 “R” (i.e., Reclaim, Readjustment of Land, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction) concept is an appropriate solution for a resilient urban environment with sustainable development after the disaster events. On the late night of 16 June 2021, Melanchi Bazar of Nepal a flash flood of outburst of landslide dam created unexpected disaster destroying the lives and properties with the loss of 291 households and displaced more than 600 peoples, cultivated land, and major infrastructures. Land reclaim is necessary in the flood plain area with the “Built Back Better” concept. Land readjustment with new cadastral survey should be conducted to update the existing record of the privatively owned land of the citizens. Rehabilitations of urban facilities, with the function of flood plain area providing the storage to reduce stream velocities during high floods. Revitalization and recuperative treatment of the urban settlements with an enhancement of wetlands, creeks, and river corridors.