Discussions between business entrepreneur and landlords to open Thamel round the clock

KATHMANDU, March 30:The Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC) has discussed with Thamel landlords and business entrepreneurs to examine the possibility of launching a 24-hour Thamel areas, a popular tourist destination in the capital. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane directed the district administration office to operate Thamel and Durbarmarg 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the council discussed with landlords and business entrepreneurs  at the district administration office's request.

The District Administration Office in Kathmandu has developed the 'Code of Conduct and Safety Standards for 24 Hours Market Operation-2080'. Council General Secretary Rajeev Pandey stated that a meeting was held to solicit feedback and ideas from landlords and company owners on the code of conduct and safety requirements developed by the district administration office for the functioning of the 24-hour market.

Bhabishowor Sharma, President of TTDC, said that the suggestions of Landlords and business entrepreneurs have been sought as to how business can be conducted within Thamel within 24 hours under the existing laws. "To operate the Thamel area round the clock, the council had previously discussed with the relevant agencies several times and had already made a professional code of conduct and safety standards in the district administration office. The council desires to operate the Thamel area in an orderly manner," he said.

The District Administration Office has developed a code of behavior for business entrepreneurs, consumers, and workers to follow while operating the Thamel and Durbarmarg areas around the clock. Similarly, a code of conduct for businessmen engaged in nighttime entertainment has been developed. Kathmandu's District Administration Office has also incorporated internal and external security arrangements for the market area that operates at night in its criteria.

A team will be constituted under the supervision of the Assistant Chief District Officer to monitor, coordinate, and facilitate regulation regarding whether or not the work is completed in accordance with the standards. Similarly, the market area management committee, business cleanliness, transportation arrangements, receiving and responding concerns, grievances, and worker actions are all included in the code of conduct and standards.

Sahdev Dhamala, Vice President of the TTDC, stated that the Thamel region receives 80 percent of all tourists who visit Nepal. Thamel is currently home to around 10,000 business entrepreneurs and approximately 2,000 Landlords . Vice President Dhamala stated that the code of conduct and standards will be implemented to ensure that both businesses and homes are comfortable.