Indra Jatra traffic rule invites mobility tussle

Kathmandu, Sept. 18: At 5:13 pm on Sunday, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, through their Facebook page Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, posted a notice informing the public to use alternative routes along the Tundikhel area due to diversions caused by the Indra Jatra festival.

However, the traffic congestion was underway hours before the issuance of the notice. People were seen circulating the Tundikhel area multiple times after they were denied entry into the ancient Newa civilisation area around the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Irked by the situation, the commoners were seen arguing with the police at many points. 

“Sir, I have to go to the Nepal Bank area near the Juddha Salik, New Road. If this road is blocked, which alternate route shall I use to reach there?” a boy in his late 20s questioned a police officer in front of the Yellow Pagoda Hotel on Sunday. 

The police officer, in an irritated manner, replied, “I work in Gatthaghar area. I was called here today and I am unaware of the routes. Please move ahead so that other vehicles are not obstructed.”

The boy, with displeasure, left in search of another route to reach his destination.

Several complaints regarding the unplanned and unmanaged traffic diversions were posted on Sunday across social media. 

“Traffic is diverted in all major cities globally during festivals. It is what happened in the New Road area as well. The public should understand that roads of festival areas are diverted and blocked at such times,” said Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Dan Bahadur Karki.

The situation was no different on Tuesday as well. 

“It is all right if the road has been diverted. But we should be told of the alternate routes. I circled this (Basantapur) area thrice but all alternate routes were blocked. Where are the alternate routes then? When I ask the police, they get angry. If we do not get information from the police officers blocking the road, who should we ask?” a man in his 30s was shouting in front of the Cultural House of Kathmandu Metropolis. He shared his frustration with several individuals who were stopped from going towards Juddha Salik on Tuesday afternoon.

The man added, “I came here after surfing the Facebook page of Kathmandu Valley Traffic. They did not post anything about the diversions today. There was no such information shared by the Kathmandu Metropolis as well. If I had known of the diversion, I would not have come here.”

The scenario was similar at the blocked area of New Road Gate. When a motorcyclist stopped and asked an officer about the blockade, the officer replied, “There is no entry. Go ahead.” Unknown of the alternate route, the motorcyclist asked, “Which way can I take then?” The furious officer only replied with a command to leave the area. 

When the officer was asked about his irritation against the public, he said, “I have been tired of replying. If you do our duty here for an hour without feeling to beat anyone, I will honour you with garlands.”

The scenarios show that police officers, who are the first individuals the public seeks for support, were unaware of the alternate routes and surrounding areas to communicate properly with the affected public. 

“There are cases where the public tries forcing their way and it irritates officers. There is a lack of proper communication but the public should also compromise when national festivals or events are taking place,” said DIGP Karki.