Kathmandu Metropolitan City Launches 'Vehicle-Free Asan' Initiative to Preserve Heritage

Kathmandu. To preserve the originality of the ancient urban settlement of Asan, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched the 'Vehicle-Free Asan' program starting today.

Acting Mayor of KMC, Sunita Dangol, informed that the program will be implemented in areas stretching from Kamalachhi Chowk to Asan, Bhotahity Chowk to Asan, and Mahabouddha to Asan. During this program, which will be held every Saturday, vehicle entry will be prohibited.

KMC has been continuously working for the conservation, promotion, and development of tangible, intangible, natural, and archival heritage within its geographical and administrative jurisdiction. It is expected that these efforts will help pass on Kathmandu's cultural identity, traditional lifestyles, festivals, and customs to future generations.

KMC spokesperson Nabin Manandhar stated that the program was initiated because the high volume of human and vehicular traffic has created management challenges in the inner city areas of Kathmandu, making it difficult to maintain cultural and social practices in their original form and negatively impacting the city's identity.

On Saturdays, the Asan area will host exhibitions of social and cultural practices, indigenous knowledge and skills, as well as singing, musical performances, and dance activities. Spokesperson Manandhar informed that the initiative aims to protect, conserve, and promote the living tangible and intangible heritage of the area, while showcasing traditional religious, cultural, social, and commercial activities.

During the program, vehicle entry will be restricted from Kamalachhi Singh Dhoka towards Asan, Bhotahity Kalash Dhoka towards Asan, and from Bir Hospital towards Mahabouddha Stupa. Entry will also be prohibited from Batu Ganesh and Bhosi Ganesh Temple towards Mahabouddha Stupa, from Indra Chowk, and for motorcycles from Machhindra Bahal and Mansa Galli. Access will be allowed from Gosif to Inbahal Ganesh Temple, but entry from the temple towards Pilantu Galli will be prohibited. Entry from Nhuketla towards Asan and from Jyatha Annapurna School towards Bhamulu Galli will also be restricted.

Vehicle owners are advised to use alternative routes. Visitors coming to Asan on Saturdays are requested to park their vehicles at the Dharahara underground parking, Jamal Bahal, Durbar High School, or other designated areas and proceed to Asan on foot.