Many master plans and other major documents have been prepared over the course of 30 years to devise considered growth of Kathmandu Valley. While there have been numerous sectoral plans, aimed at everything from cultural preservation to water supply, five plans have dealt with holistic development of the Valley. One thing in common with the first four plans was that none were implemented. The latest "ADB Plan" was presented to the Government in September 1991.
The concept of town planning in Nepal appears to have begun in 1962, with the establishment of a Town Planning Office in Kathmandu. As the basic information and data needed for planning, including base maps, were not available, the Government took the help of United Nations town planning expert P.O. Lefvert, a Swede, who prepared a map of the Valley towns based on aerial photographs taken by Toni Hagen, the Swiss geologist.
1963 – Kathmandu Valley Physical Development Plan: This plan had the "controlled and harmonious development" of the Valley as its goal. It analysed the existing land-use and proposed new patterns, which in retrospect are not supported by data. This was a pilot project meant to guide planners in subsequent exercises.
1969 – Physical Development Plan for the Kathmandu Valley: This was the first comprehensive plan for the Valley, and it introduced the concept of regional physical planning. Certain land-use patterns were proposed, as was the development of the "Kathmandu-Patan Urban Complex". Also suggested was the development of selected compact settlements, such as Katunje, Lubhu, Thecho, Sunakothi, Kirtipur and Thimi. A Valley transportation network was recommended.