Kathmandu steps up footpath, parking regulation

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has made the management of footpaths and parking its top priority to enhance urban aesthetics and improve traffic flow.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Metropolitan Police Chief Bishnu Prasad Joshi outlined the city’s future action plan, emphasizing stricter regulation and sustained monitoring.

Joshi instructed municipal police personnel to focus on controlling dust and smoke pollution, managing public toilets, protecting public property, and regulating illegally operated workshops.

He noted that many long-standing irregularities have already been brought under control through consistent efforts and said that regular monitoring would now be enough to maintain these improvements.

He also stressed the importance of internal discipline and professionalism within the municipal police force. Warning against the practice of seeking transfers or promotions through political or power centers, Joshi urged officers to concentrate on their current responsibilities. “Let’s reduce the tendency to run after power centers and instead focus on our duties,” he said.

Calling for better public interaction, he advised officers to use respectful and polite language while on duty. “Speak to everyone respectfully. Never use derogatory terms. Your language must always be calm and courteous,” he instructed.

Additionally, he directed municipal police to strictly enforce smoking bans in public places. Joshi reaffirmed the city’s commitment to continuing past positive initiatives and making Kathmandu more organized, disciplined, and livable.