Pashupatinath, one of the sacred Hindu temple in Kathmandu valley, has been declared vehicle-free zone. Except for ambulance and hearse, Pashupati area has been declared vehicle-free zone.
The temple complex is on UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1979. The temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River 5km north-east of Kathmandu valley in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. This temple complex has a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images, and is raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River.
The decision to make the complex a ‘vehicle-free zone’ was taken jointly by Pashupati Area Development Trust and Metropolitan Traffic Police Division in a bid to ease increasing traffic crowding in the area. The plan was launched successfully on 26th of December, 2017.
“The temple complex was declared vehicle-free zone bearing in mind environmental pollution and convenience of devotees. It will create more space for devotees and tourists to spend quality time in the area,” said DIG Sarbendra Khanal, MTPD in-charge.
With this decision, no vehicle will be allowed to pass through Dakshina Murti, Itapakha-Bhuwaneshwor Chowk, Dathutol-Annapurna Bhandar, Gaushala-Bhuwaneshwor Chowk, Bankali Dharmashala-Bakuntol and Char Shivalaya-Dakshin Gate.
Gaurishankar Parajuli, the PADT administrative officer, said the vehicle ban, however, would not be applicable for ambulances and hearses. “This effort will not only help regulate vehicular traffic but also provide enough space for pedestrians,” he informed. It is expected to make the temple complex free from traffic chaos and air pollution.
People visiting the temple complex may park their vehicles at Bankali and Umakunda area, according to MTPD. Special passes have been issued to persons whose houses are located within the temple area. Local clubs have also expressed solidarity with the initiative. Earlier, a section of Thamel was declared a ‘no-go zone’ for vehicles.
Reference: The Himalayan Times