The Bagmati River in Kathmandu holds deep cultural and ecological significance yet has become one of the world’s most polluted rivers due to unchecked urbanisation, unregulated littering and neglect. Previous restoration efforts have struggled due to weak governance and limited community engagement. There is a need for a holistic, community-driven approach that integrates cultural values with sustainable environmental practices to restore this holy urban river.

This thesis explores how participatory design strategies can support the restoration and sustainable conservation of the river. Through ethnographic observation, interviews, workshops, and stakeholder engagement in Kathmandu, the study developed site-specific design solutions.