Kathmandu Residents Call for Removal of Long-Standing Tent Market at Bhrikuti Mandap

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Kathmandu Residents Call for Removal of Long-Standing Tent Market at Bhrikuti Mandap

Kathmandu Residents Call for Removal of Long-Standing Tent Market at Bhrikuti Mandap

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-04-13 11:15:00

Kathmandu, Nepal - A renewed public concern has emerged regarding the decades-old tent market operating at Bhrikuti Mandap, with local residents urging authorities to restore the area’s original aesthetic and functional value.
Maheshwor Shrestha, a resident of the Kathmandu Valley, has called for the immediate removal of the temporary market structures that have been in place for nearly three decades. According to him, the market not only affects the visual appeal of the area but also undermines the dignity of nearby national administrative landmarks, including Singha Durbar-the central government secretariat.
Shrestha emphasized that Bhrikuti Mandap, once known for its open space and organized public infrastructure, has gradually turned into a congested commercial zone. He argues that the continuation of the tent market has contributed to urban disorder and diminished the cultural and environmental value of central Kathmandu.
The demand also includes a proposal to hand over key infrastructures within the Mandap area-such as the auditorium, parks, and surrounding facilities-to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office. Proponents believe that such a move would enable better management, improved urban planning, and restoration of public spaces for community use.
The issue has gained further attention amid ongoing discussions around urban governance, public space management, and city beautification led by figures such as Balen Shah. Political stakeholders, including leaders from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, have also been increasingly associated with calls for reform in Kathmandu’s urban landscape.
However, the future of the tent market remains uncertain, as it involves balancing the livelihoods of vendors operating there with broader concerns of city planning and heritage conservation. Authorities have yet to make an official announcement regarding any relocation or restructuring plans.
As debates continue, the case of Bhrikuti Mandap highlights the growing tension between informal economic activities and the need for sustainable and organized urban development in Nepal’s capital.
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