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KATHMANDU, March 25: The government is gearing up to open the Thamel and Durbarmarg areas of Kathmandu 24 hours a day.
Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Jitendra Basnet discussed the issue of 24-hour operation of business with all the bodies concerned and entrepreneurs during a meeting at the District Administration Office, Kathmandu on Monday.
The District Administration Office, Kathmandu took this initiative after Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane issued an instruction to the authorities concerned to open Thamel and Durbarmarg areas for 24 hours a day. The District Security Committee has made a security plan to keep Thamel and Durbarmarg open for 24 hours a day.
During the discussion with related agencies and entrepreneurs on Monday, Chief District Officer Basnet said that Thamel and Durbarmarg areas are ready to be opened round the clock.
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"We will make an integrated plan and implement it based on the problems and responses that will come after the market opens," he said. Chief District Officer Basnet mentioned that entrepreneurs cannot change the price of goods and services between day and night.
“Entrepreneurs have to take care of all these things. After opening the market for 24 hours, the number of customers increases. In addition, as criminal activities may increase, a security system will be developed based on the estimates,'' he said.
He also insisted that entrepreneurs should not contribute to noise pollution or violate the rights of others while exercising their rights.
Chairman of Thamel Tourism Development Council Bhabishwor Sharma said that he has been demanding 24-hour business in Thamel for a long time. He said that the Security Council and the District Administration Office discussed operating business in Thamel and Durbarmarg in a safe and orderly manner.
He said that the new rule will be applicable within a week.
Sanjay Adhikari, treasurer of Durbarmarg Development Board, insisted that opening Durbarmarg for 24 hours would be appropriate in all respects. He said that there will be no problem if the government immediately opens all the structures in the area for 24 hours a day.
"It is necessary to open Durbarmarg for 24 hours and make it a night-walk area," he said, adding, "We welcome the decision of the government."
