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The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has prohibited commercial buildings and hospitals from imposing parking fees. This provision was introduced via the metropolitan city’s annual budget speech.

Under the new policy, business establishments must offer complimentary parking to customers using services within the same premises. According to this regulation, parking fees cannot be charged by hospitals, private markets, restaurants, or malls. Nabin Manandhar, spokesperson for the KMC, clarified that no charge will apply if individuals work in the same building or utilize stalls within it. However, a fee would be imposed if one is using the space merely for parking.

Rajani Khanal shared with ApEx her experience of being charged Rs 450 for 3 hours of parking at a multiplex to watch a movie. When she informed the parking staff about KMC charges and regulations, they showed here a printed announcement from the respective wards, suggesting these regulations didn't apply there. Effective implementation of this rule by the ward offices is crucial for its consistent application across the KMC. The disregard of the regulations by the ward offices is worrying.

In the past, business establishments were free to set parking charges on their own. These rates would often surpass KMC rates. Furthermore, hospitals were observed charging parking fees that exceeded their premises' designated costs by over four times. Despite local authorities' commitment to alleviate parking challenges in the valley, the problem is worsening due to the growing vehicle numbers and persistent traffic congestion. This especially impacts short-term parking, particularly for four-wheelers. Locating parking spaces in areas like Durbarmarg, New Road, Narayanchaur, Bagbazar, Balkhu, and Sorhakhutte has become nearly impossible.

 KMC has introduced differential rates depending on the location. Zone No. 1 encompasses areas like New Road, Dharmapath, Kantipath, Durbar Marg, inner urban areas, Tripureshwar, Ratnapark, Bhotahiti, Kesharmahal, Lainchaur, and other central Kathmandu locations. Similarly, areas beyond Zone No. 1 are designated as Zone No. 2. 

Here, parking fees are half the rates of Zone No. 1. People have to pay Rs 15 per hour for two-wheelers, Rs 40 per hour for four-wheelers, and Rs 100 per hour for larger vehicles in Zone No. 2. However, parking attendants are charging arbitrary rates and also showing reluctance to provide receipts after payment. The neighboring Lalitpur Metropolitan City has implemented the parking fee policy within its jurisdiction. Therefore, Kathmandu Metropolitan City should collaborate with ward offices to address these issues.

The Nagpanchami festival is being celebrated today by worshiping the Naga or serpent god, with many pasting pictures of a Naga on the front door of the house as per Hindu tradition.

This festival is celebrated every year on the fifth day of Shrawan Shukla as per the Lunar calendar.

There is a religious belief that by hanging a picture of a serpent in the house will avoid harm from snakes and scorpions, as well as from the incidents of fire and lightning, according to Prof Dr Debmani Bhattarai, a theologian and a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.

The practice of Naga worship is believed to have started from the Vedic period. According to Vedic beliefs, Naga is considered the king of snakes.

Naga temples in Kathmandu valley at Nagpokhari, Taudaha and Nagdaha are thronged with devotees on this day.

Street vendors staged a demonstration in the Capital on Sunday.

They staged a protest after the Kathmandu Metropolitan City removed the street vendors and small traders without giving them an alternative.

Saying that the street vendors were oppressed, they staged the demonstration in front of the National Assembly Hall in Bhrikutimandap.

They have demanded that the metropolis manage an alternative to carry out business.

During the demonstration, the street vendors carried placards and banners with various slogans like strict laws only to the poor, how to teach children? We are facing difficulties to eke out a hand-to-mouth existence among others.

They also displayed pamphlets comparing the street business of Bangkok and Kathmandu.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has decided to provide midday meals to students from Grade six to 10 of community schools within the metropolis.

Prior to this, the local government was managing the midday meal to the students from class six to eight and now it is to be available for students of class nine and ten as well, according to Metropolis Education Department official Sitaram Koirala. 

Koirala said the federal government provides Rs 15 per day meal for each student up to class six and the local government has decided to add Rs 10 to each since last year.

The local government has already written to community schools within the metropolis to manage midday meals for students of class eight to 10 as well from the month of Bhadra, 2080 BS.