KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 29

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has restated that any activity other than walking is strictly forbidden on footpaths.

The mayor of KMC, Balendra Shah said, "The metropolis implements policies for sustainable urban management. At present, the issue of easing business on footpaths is baseless. We are conducting our programmes with integrity."

Mayor Shah also said that under the infrastructure policy of the current financial year, the use of footpaths will be made easy and simple for pedestrians. "The provision being implemented is that all activities other than human movement will be prohibited on footpaths," he added.

He further stated through a press release that the 'for pedestrians, footpaths are more necessary during festivals. More than any other time, this is the time when senior citizens, children, disabled people, pregnant women go out shopping. Pedestrian safety is the responsibility of the metropolis. It is a fact that common people feel road trade disturbs pedestrians. Therefore, to establish the right of pedestrians to walk freely on the roadside, the metropolis will conduct its activities not partially, but fully and for the long-term".

Earlier, Hawkers and street vendors had demanded that the city allow them to run their businesses.

Mayor Shah had taken a strong stance against street vendors for encroaching on footpaths and pedestrian walkways along the city roads. KMC has removed street vendors from their usual place of business and banned their activities.

According to the Nepal Street Vendor's Trade Union there are approximately 10,000 street vendors running their business and taking care of their families. But Mayor Shah has rendered them unemployed at the peak time of their business. On the other hand, it has become convenient for pedestrian to shop and roam around KMC during the festival time.

KMC had started clearing footpath vendors from the first of week the July. Now, by issuing a press release it has reiterated that no business activities will be allowed on the streets.

He shared the following message through his official social media handle regarding footpaths and right of pedestrian.

"The attention of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has been drawn to the news that was published/broadcast in connection with the footpath trade in the context of Dashain. Pedestrians have the first right on the road. The Metropolitan Corporation has formulated its policies and programmes to establish it. It is our commitment to improve the lives of citizens by implementing the rights granted by law for the development, improvement and prosperity of the city. It is permanent. In the same way, we are conducting programmes for the implementation of issues such as bringing urban cleanliness and to maintain urban beauty."

A version of this article appears in the print on September 30, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.