KATHMANDU:  Until a few days ago, Kathmandu Metropolitan City police were regularly deployed on the streets to control pavement encroachment in areas like New Road. The metropolis had strictly prohibited daytime sidewalk vending and had even designated specific hours for street trade.

However, following a tragic incident involving Ganesh Nepali—who attempted self-immolation and later passed away—the presence of city police on the streets has significantly dropped. A municipal police official stated that due to concerns over potential attacks or increased security risks following the incident, personnel have temporarily pulled back from regular street duties.

With the city police largely absent, pavements in New Road and various other parts of Kathmandu have once again been crowded by street vendors. Incidents of haphazard parking have also visibly increased.

Locals report that the resurgent pavement trade has forced pedestrians onto the main roads, disrupting traffic flow and causing severe traffic congestion in the area.