As a father of a four-year-old son, I find myself increasingly worried about what Kathmandu offers to its youngest citizens. Having spent the last 12–14 years in this bustling city as a software engineer and someone with a vision for creating change, I cannot help but reflect on the growing challenges for children here.

The contrast between my current residence and my birthplace, Mahendranagar—a serene small town—has become glaringly obvious. The freedom and opportunities for play I enjoyed as a child seem almost like a distant dream for children growing up in Kathmandu today. This feeling inspired me to write:

No parks to play,
No open ground,
A city's grasp,
Where kids are bound.

Dreams in chains,
Laughter fades,
Kathmandu offers
Jail-like shades.

A City That Restricts Childhood

Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is rapidly urbanizing. Yet, in its race toward development, it has failed to address the needs of its youngest residents. Open spaces have been sacrificed to concrete, playgrounds are rare, and safe areas for children to explore have dwindled. According to studies, Kathmandu offers less than 0.5 square meters of green space per person—alarmingly short of the World Health Organization's recommendation of at least 9 square meters.

In stark contrast, Mahendranagar, where I grew up, still boasts open fields, playgrounds, and a slower, more connected pace of life. As someone who had the privilege of running freely in green spaces, I mourn the loss of these simple joys for my son and his peers in Kathmandu.

A Bigger Vision: Cities for Children

Successful cities worldwide have embraced the responsibility of creating environments where children can thrive:

• Copenhagen, Denmark: Prioritizes parks, bike-friendly streets, and nature trails where children can play freely.
• Singapore: Offers well-maintained public parks and water play areas for creative and physical growth.
• Tokyo, Japan: Ensures safe, walkable neighborhoods with community spaces designed for families and children.

These cities recognize that children’s well-being is an investment in the future. Kathmandu, however, struggles to provide even the basics—a reality compounded by severe air pollution, traffic hazards, and a lack of safe public spaces.

What Kathmandu Needs

Kathmandu must rethink its priorities. Urban planning should reflect a commitment to:

1. Green Spaces: Allocate and protect parks and playgrounds as essential public assets.
2. Child-Friendly Infrastructure: Introduce safe pedestrian zones, bike lanes, and recreational areas.
3. Pollution Control: Enforce stricter measures to improve air quality, creating a healthier environment for children.
4. Community Hubs: Develop libraries, cultural centers, and interactive play areas for children to learn and grow.

As someone who strives to approach life with a mindset of problem-solving and innovation, I see a glaring opportunity here. Kathmandu has the potential to redefine urban living for its youngest citizens by integrating modern, sustainable, and inclusive planning practices.

A Father’s Plea

My son deserves more than cramped indoor spaces and polluted air—he deserves a childhood filled with joy, discovery, and the freedom to roam. His experience reflects the silent struggles of countless children growing up in Kathmandu today.

If we fail to confront these issues, many families may feel compelled to leave—seeking better environments in smaller towns or even abroad. Yet, I hold onto hope that Kathmandu can change.

I am hopeful that our city will embrace this challenge. Hopeful that it will prioritize creating parks, open spaces, and safe havens where children can laugh, play, and thrive. Hopeful that our capital will transform into a place where childhood is defined by dreams and possibilities—not by restrictions and missed opportunities.

The question is not whether Kathmandu has the capacity to change, but whether we can afford to delay that change any longer.