On the side

Experts, urban planners and activists have protested against the municipal crackdown on street vendors, but nearly two years later, many vendors are still forced to operate covertly either before daybreak or in the evenings.

In a Kathmandu Post interview a few months ago, Mahendra Subba, president of the nonprofit Regional and Urban Planners' Society of Nepal, highlighted the significance of street vendors for the economy of urban areas. He said that many countries in and outside Asia have a lively space for street vendors to do their business with minimal interference.

Street vendors are seen as offering affordable goods, catering to the economically disadvantaged segments of society. Moreover, countries such as Thailand and Singapore, both economically strong countries, have lively street cultures, showing that with adept management, street businesses reap fruitful results.

Street vendors in Kathmandu are also in favor of the concept of arranging an alternative space and time to conduct their businesses. They are willing to accept the mayor's efforts to change the city's landscape as long as they are not unfairly mistreated by the police and do not have to constantly hide to operate.

Nabin Manandhar, spokesman for the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, said that the trade unions of street vendors have been asked to set up a location for them to conduct their businesses.

However, Maya Gurung, president of the central committee of the Nepal Street Vendors Trade Union, said they have not heard of any updates on their concerns from the municipal authorities.