By Sanchita Ghimire, Kathmandu, May 10: Following the decision of the government to relax the ongoing nationwide lockdown by opening banks and financial institutions, agricultural sectors and industries, the flow of people and vehicles have extensively increased in the Kathmandu Valley.

With the increased traffic in the main roads and alleys of the city, even the non-essential stores were seen to be opened today.

Even though increased human movement was obvious due to relaxation of lockdown, people were seen stepping out of their houses without any urgency.

The District Administration Office's (DAO) decision to let open shops all day has also led to crowding of people on roads.

Some people were also seen defying lockdown as they would not be punished due to huge movement of people.

Some tea shops, cafes and cosmetic shops were also seen to be opened on Sunday.

Meanwhile The Metropolitan Traffic Police Division has said that increase in flow of people following relaxation of lockdown was obvious.

Jiwan Shrestha, Spokesperson of the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, said that the police checking was increased as the misuse of vehicle pass could increase due to relaxation of lockdown.

Shrestha said that the misuse of vehicle pass had increased in the last few days, if compared to the initial days of lockdown.

The checking has been increased in various places of Kathmandu.

Until Sunday afternoon, the traffic police punished 560 vehicles including 102 four-wheeled vehicles and 498 two-wheelers.  

 Shrestha said that 700-800 vehicles were found defying lockdown everyday.

The task of inspecting proper use of governmental vehicles has been given to secretaries of concerned ministries.

The government has issued time card system to control the flow of people amid lockdown.