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Summary

This study has attempted to attain a cross-sectional analysis of Kathmandu Valley which has been plagued by rampant urbanization over the last three decades. This case study performs the monitoring of urban growth and the Nepal earthquake 2015 for the sustainability of the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. This study analyzes Kathmandu Valley's urbanization using Landsat images from 1976 to 2015. Urban coverage surged from 20.19 km² in 1976 to 139.57 km² in 2015, harming cultivated lands. Urban growth rates were 7.34%, 7.70%, and 5.90% annually. Urban concentration was observed in the east, moderately in the southwest, and less in the west. Urbanization damaged forests, fertile lands, and cultural landscapes. Neglected suburban lands worsened by invasive species. Without halting rapid urbanization, Kathmandu faces high risk, highlighting the need for sustainable land use planning and policies.