Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) said they have completed all security arrangements, with over 28,000 security forces led by Nepal Army being deployed for the summit. Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department will perform supporting roles.

Installation of 203 CCTVs have been completed with at least 40 CCTVs keeping an eye on the delegates at the summit venue in City Hall, Exhibition Road. “We have left no stone unturned to ensure safety of foreign delegates,” said MoHA spokesperson Laxmi Dhakal.

The traffic police conducted drills on Monday in various roads stretches where the heads of state and government are likely to pass through. The Kathmandu Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) enforced the odd/even vehicle rotation system to ease traffic congestion and movement of delegates from Monday.

Superintendent of Police Basanta Pant, spokesperson of MTPD, said anybody violating the odd and even number rule shall be fined from Tuesday. Following the enforcement of the odd-even number system, limited number of public vehicles plied the roads of Kathmandu.

Traffic police said the Old Bus Park, which is located near the venue of the summit, has been cordoned off, and no public vehicles will be allowed inside or about until the event concludes. Alternative bus stops designated in five areas of the city for pick and drop service have come into effect, said Superintendent of Police Basanta Pant, spokesperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD).

The MTPD has designated Sano Gaucharan, Lainchaur, Jadibuti, Tribhuvan University Gate and Dhungeadda as alternative stops for vehicles inside and outside the Capital. Sano Gaucharan will be the stop for passenger vehicles plying from Chabahil to Mandikhatar, Kapan, Bouddha, Jorpati, Sankhu, Sundarijal and Gothatar. Similarly, Lainchaur will be the last stop for passengers travelling from Balaju, Banasthali, Tokha, Jhor, Futung and Budanilkantha. Jadibuti will serve as the stop for passenger vehicles coming from Bhaktapur, Banepa and Dhulikhel.

Passenger vehicles from Dakshinkali, Pharping, Kirtipur, Thankot and Swoyambhu will have to make their last stop at the TU Gate, while Dhungeadda will be the stop for vehicles coming from Thankot, Matatirtha, Macchegaun and Naagdhunga.

Stage set for first ladies’ Bhaktapur visit

ANUP OJHA

A final security rehearsal to welcome the first ladies who are scheduled to visit Unesco heritage sites in the district during the 18th Saarc Summit took place on Monday. Security personnel and government officials were present for the rehearsal at Durbar Square and Taumadi Square.

“The guest will be then taken to the five-storey temple and Bhairav Temple in Taumadi Square through an alley that boasts around seventy tourist shops,” said Gautam Lasiwa, head of the Bhaktapur Tourism Development.

The guests will be welcomed at Durbar Squrare, in front of Lohan Dega (stone temple). A 300-metre stretch from the bus park to Durbar Squre will display pictures and art works of century-old heritage, lifestyle and culture of the city. Bhaktapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bhaktapur Industrial District Management Office will be jointly organising an exhibition of handmade local items.

Nepali Congress leader Sujata Koirala will carry out the duties of the first lady during the sightseeing on November 27 at 10:30 am.

Koirala will be escorting other first ladies from five Saarc countries and guests to the areas. The dignitaries are scheduled to stay for two hours in the area.