TTDC declares Thamel 'Vehicle-regulated Zone'

In a bid to control environment pollution and to stop the increasing number of vehicles in the area, the Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC) on Wednesday has declared the Thamel area a vehicle regulated zone.

Thamel, a tourist hub, has been playing a most important role as one of the tourist destinations of the country. Having narrow streets, it has been facing problems of chaotic traffic and environmental pollutions, which are also the results of unchecked urbanization.

Amid a programme, president of the TTDC, Namgyal Lama declared the area a vehicle-regulated area. Lama said that the narrow streets and chaotic traffic has put the area’s future in danger.

Lama also informed that marking the World Tourism Day, the declaration will be formally implemented from September 27.

According to the TTDC, it has plans to bar entry of vehicles through eight points of the area, to designate parking area in front of Sanchaya Kosh building, and to close the shops constructed by the encroaching roads.

However, there will be no obstruction for the movement of motorbikes, cycles, rickshaws, ambulances, and security vehicles and vehicles of diplomatic missions and tourists.

The TTDC has also decided to provide special passes to the vehicles of the locals and the business houses of Thamel.