Kathmandu to Implement 'Vehicle-Free Asan' Initiative Starting Baisakh 5

Kathmandu. To preserve the originality of the Asan area in Kathmandu, a decision has been made to prohibit vehicle entry every Saturday starting from Baisakh 5, aiming to boost social, cultural, and commercial activities. Previously, local organizations, clubs, and the community had planned to launch the program on Chaitra 28.

In this regard, a meeting chaired by Kathmandu Metropolitan City Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol, attended by Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain, Ward Chairperson Yogesh Khadgi, Administration Department Chief Mahesh Kafle, along with stakeholders, local organizations, clubs, and community representatives, decided to postpone the program by one week to ensure thorough preparation and effective implementation starting Baisakh 5.

'Asan is a vital location for religious and social needs, ranging from gold to salt and birth to death. It is our responsibility to preserve its ancient and cultural significance,' said Acting Mayor Dangol during the meeting. 'Let us initiate the program under the leadership of the ward office, with the participation of stakeholders and partners, and local ownership. Let us make this initiative sustainable.' She emphasized that the program would prioritize traffic management, convenience for local residents, and safety.

'The ward has moved forward with the program in collaboration with locals, organizations, clubs, and the community,' says Ward Chairperson Yogesh Kumar Khadgi. 'The program will contribute to controlling air pollution and improving the urban environment alongside preserving the originality of the Asan market.'

During the discussion, Superintendent of Police Prajit KC of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Deputy Superintendent of Police Lokendra Singh Gurung of the Valley Traffic Police Office, and Chief of the Metropolitan Police Force Bishnu Prasad Joshi stated that traffic movement, pedestrian path management, and security arrangements would be strengthened.

Under the 'Vehicle-Free Asan' program, vehicle entry will be prohibited every Saturday in areas including Ward No. 27 from Kamalachhi Chowk to Asan, Bhotahiti Chowk to Asan, and Mahabouddha to Asan. Alternative routes will be provided for vehicles traveling through these areas.

The area will be developed as a heritage route to promote local traditional and indigenous businesses. Original cultural programs and social activities will be conducted. The responsibility for managing these operations has been assigned to the Metropolitan Police Force.