KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has launched a ‘Vehicle-Free Asan’ program from today to help preserve the originality of the historic urban settlement of Asan.
Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol said the program will be implemented in areas from Kamala Chhi Chowk to Asan, from Bhotahiti Chowk to Asan, and from Mahabouddha to Asan. Vehicles will be prohibited in these areas every Saturday during the program.
The metropolis said it has been continuously working to conserve, promote and protect tangible, intangible, natural and archival heritage within its geographical and administrative jurisdiction. The initiative is expected to help preserve Kathmandu’s cultural identity and ensure the continuation of traditional lifestyles, festivals and cultural practices from one generation to another.
According to KMC spokesperson Nabin Manandhar, increasing pressure from both pedestrians and vehicles in Kathmandu’s inner city has created management challenges in recent years. The growing difficulty in maintaining cultural and social traditions in their original form has also negatively affected the identity of the city, prompting the metropolis to launch the program.
Various social and cultural activities will be organised in the Asan area every Saturday, including exhibitions of indigenous knowledge and skills, as well as singing, musical performances and traditional dances.
Manandhar said the initiative also aims to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage in the area while promoting traditional religious, cultural, social and commercial practices.
During the program, vehicles will not be allowed to enter Asan from several points including Kamalachhi Singha Dwar from the Jamal side, Kalash Dwar from Bhotahiti, and the road leading from Bir Hospital towards Mahabouddha. Entry will also be restricted from Indra Chowk, Batuk Ganesh, Bhonsiko Ganesh Temple, Machhindrabahal and Maas Galli.
Similarly, motorcycles will also be restricted from entering through certain inner alleys, while some routes such as Gosif to Inbahal Ganesh Temple will remain open.
Vehicle owners travelling through the area will be required to use alternative routes. Visitors heading to Asan on Saturdays have been advised to park their vehicles at designated locations including the underground parking at Dharahara, Jamal Bahal and Durbar High School before entering the area on foot.
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