Failure to Adhere to Thamel’s Nighttime Code of Conduct Draws Criticism

As night falls, Mahendra Maharjan, a resident of Thamel, struggles to sleep peacefully. Living near the Chhaya Center, Maharjan is plagued by loud noise pollution, a persistent issue since the revival of Thamel's nightlife business last May after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the government's decision to allow 24-hour operations in the Thamel and Durbarmarg areas, Thamel's night business has resumed. To ensure that nighttime tourism is both dignified and disciplined, local businesses have established and implemented a code of conduct. However, Maharjan pointed out that despite these efforts, noise pollution continues due to the disruptive behavior of visitors frequenting clubs and dance bars.

Local residents identify noise pollution as the most significant problem in Thamel’s nighttime economy. The loud music played by hotels and clubs late into the night has affected the sleep of residents in Thamel and the surrounding areas, as noted by Maharjan.

"We have repeatedly requested the clubs and hotels to address the noise, but our concerns have fallen on deaf ears," Maharjan told the state-owned news agency RSS. He emphasized that not only residents but also hotel guests and tourists should work towards making Thamel more organized.

Tourism entrepreneur Bhavishwar Sharma stated that tourists have complained about health issues arising from sleep deprivation due to the noise. Sharma, a former chairman of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, highlighted that non-compliance with the 24-hour code of conduct is causing distress to locals, tourists, and business owners alike.

"Tourists frequently complain about the noise pollution," Sharma said, adding, "They throw glass bottles on the streets after drinking and play loud music until late at night, making it difficult for us to get any rest." He also criticized the authorities concerned for failing to take action against these disruptive elements.

Sharma mentioned that Thamel hosts around 1,200 hotels, not 36,000 as previously reported, offering accommodation and dining services. Despite the influx of domestic and international tourists post-COVID, Sharma noted that the night tourism business remains disorganized. During his tenure as the chairman of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, he conducted bimonthly monitoring with the District Security Council and local authorities, but he believes that such efforts have decreased over time.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Binod Ghimire of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office stated that the police administration is working to address these issues by providing security for businesses in Thamel and Durbarmarg and by responding to complaints from locals. "In terms of peace and security in these areas, the situation is satisfactory," he said.

SSP Ghimire acknowledged that while criminal activities are minimal, noise complaints about nighttime disturbances are common. "We have deployed additional manpower in Thamel and Durbarmarg to enhance security," he said. "The police are actively addressing any incidents that arise."

The Night Tourism Business Code of Conduct established by the Thamel Tourism Development Council includes several key provisions: businesses offering entertainment after 10 PM must control noise levels, ensure safe transportation for customers who are intoxicated, maintain price list uniformity, issue VAT bills to customers, provide restroom facilities, and employ security guards. Additionally, it requires that artists performing in venues reflect the originality and culture of Nepal, avoiding any obscenity while providing wholesome entertainment.

Badri Timalsina, General Secretary of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, expressed concern that both hoteliers and customers have not fully adhered to the code of conduct. He noted that the council is conducting periodic monitoring and working with the police to strengthen security measures. "We are committed to fully implementing the code of conduct and urge all business owners to comply with the outlined regulations," Timalsina said. -- RSS