Kathmandu, February 11:

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has decided to allocate another spot for the night market that was in operation at the Basantapur area. The KMC closed it down on February 8, citing violation of terms

of the contract and spoilage of social and cultural ambience of the area.

There were around 65 stalls in the night market. The stall owners had been selling handicrafts, food items, curios and jewelleries for six years. The KMC had signed a contract with Raj Gharana Gajal Restaurant and Bar to operate the night market for 10 years. Nevertheless, the KMC closed down the market after it found that the contractor had operated the market by violating the contract.

The KMC decided to allocate a new spot for the night market following a meeting today with locals and the contractor. A committee headed by Raju Shrestha, chief of the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square Conservation Programme, has been formed to find an alternative spot. KMC officials and locals are committee members.

Raju Shrestha said the committee will identify the location in two to three days. “But the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square area will be left unoccupied. The new spot for the night market may be allocated close to the Basantapur area.”

He said the new spot will be ideal for doing business, but it will not affect the protected monument.

The night market was located at the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which has been recognised by the UNESCO as a protected monument zone. Locals and the Department of Archaeology were in indignation by the impact it had.

Manoj Newa, president of a local club, said crimes and offensive activities were rife

in the market.

“It was difficult for ambulances and fire engines to pass by. The market had tarnished the image of the heritage site.”

Many people have lost their livelihood due to a sudden closure of the stalls, he conceded, adding that another spot, where these people can do business, should be allocated.