KMC says no policy allowing to run shops on footpath

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has made it clear that it does not have the policy allowing the operation of any sort of business on the footpath. The policy states that no goods and commodities including foodstuff can be sold and distributed from the roadside or on the footpath at any time.

 KMC Police Chief Dhanapati Sapkota said that managing the footpath is the primary among the responsibilities given by the KMC to the Metropolitan Police.

"The pavement is for the pedestrians, not for running shops and stalls. Those operating shops and stalls without obeying this rule have been hauled and their goods are confiscated," the KMC Police Chief said, reminding that newly-elected Mayor Balendra Shah had, during the time of filing his candidacy, announced to manage the businesses run on footpath.

It is also stated in the Policy and Programmes for the next fiscal year passed by the KMC municipal assembly on June 22 that the businesses operating from the footpath would be controlled.

"We have moved forward the works as per the decision of the KMC Executive. It is not a matter to protest. It is also our responsibility to transform the business operating from the footpath so that they come under the ambit of tax," Sapkota elaborated.

Sapkota said, "Running a business using street is not positive in any pretext. The policy of the KMC mentioned that no one is allowed to run business in the street round the clock, if it has been taking place somewhere, it is being happened clandestinely. The KMC will take initiative to bring all of them under the ambit of law in coming days."

He opined that city police have been focusing its attention to bring vendors under the control in the morning and evening when the movement of people is high. The KMC was criticized after a video of city police confiscating the good from a couple selling maize at the street and misbehaving the couple was uploaded on social media.

The KMC has been working to control street encroachment by deploying four teams every day. Mostly the street of Sundhara, New Road, Baneshwor, Koteshwor, Gaushala, Chabahil, New Bus Park, Balaju, Kalanki and Kalimati are being encroached.