Kathmandu declared free of street-dependent homeless people

KATHMANDU, June 9: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has declared its jurisdiction free of street-dependent homeless people.

At a program held on Monday, Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol announced the city as free of street-dependent individuals under the slogan, “Those without support are the responsibility of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.”

To ensure the campaign's effective implementation, the metropolitan city signed an agreement with Nepal Police, the District Administration Office and Human Service Ashram.

The agreement aims to establish an integrated system based on communication, cooperation, coordination and support for the management of vulnerable people who may be found on roads or in public places in the future.

The agreement was signed by Acting Mayor Dangol on behalf of the metropolis, Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki on behalf of Nepal Police, Chief District Officer Ishwor Raj Paudel on behalf of the District Administration Office, and Human Service Ashram Chairperson Ramji Adhikari on behalf of the organization.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dangol said the declaration was made to establish Kathmandu's identity not only as a cultural city but also as a city guided by humanity and compassion.

Former Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said efforts to promote humanity should not weaken and stressed that everyone must take responsibility for the cause. Since 2017, Kathmandu Metropolitan City has been spending an average of around Rs 20 million annually in partnership with Human Service Ashram.

The program also marked the conclusion of the Mechi Mahakali Campaign, jointly operated by Human Service Ashram and the Ani Choying Drolma Foundation. According to Ashram Chairperson Adhikari, 197 vulnerable individuals were rescued and rehabilitated during the campaign.

Foundation Chairperson Ani Choying Dolma described the agreement as an important step toward promoting humanity and said she would remember the day as a sacred occasion.

Senior cardiologist Dr Bhagawan Koirala, veteran artist Madan Krishna Shrestha, cultural scholar and Ashram patron Dr Govinda Tandon, among others, also shared their views during the ceremony.

Officials said a coordination committee comprising the signatory parties and other concerned agencies and office-bearers will hold regular meetings and oversee implementation plans, programs and resource management to ensure the agreement is carried out effectively.