Kathmandu District Police Range, the local police authority, launched a special security plan on Friday, October 2, 2026, deploying 3,506 security personnel across the Kathmandu Valley to ensure public safety during the upcoming festival season.
The comprehensive plan, which will remain in effect until Kartik 30 (BS) (November 16, 2026), aims to curb potential criminal activities during Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, creating a safe and orderly environment for residents and visitors.
Police Senior Superintendent (SSP) Dilip Ghimire, chief of the Kathmandu District Police Range, stated that the special security measures are more systematic, refined, and technology-friendly than routine operations. The initiative targets various crimes, including theft, robbery, hooliganism, gambling, ticket fraud, vehicle overloading, road accidents, the illegal use of firecrackers and fireworks, arson, drunk driving incidents, counterfeit currency circulation, and even murder.
Extensive Deployment and Technological Surveillance
To implement the plan, 3,506 security personnel will be deployed in uniform and plainclothes. This includes an additional 190 personnel from a parent office, though the specific office was not identified. Police will focus on sensitive and high-risk areas such as temples, religious sites, commercial hubs like New Road and Asan, transportation counters, market areas, and financial institutions.
Surveillance will be significantly enhanced through technology. Police will monitor activities using 1,242 CCTV cameras installed across Kathmandu and three drones for aerial observation. Trained dog teams will also conduct regular ‘dog sniffing’ at major entry points and crowded sensitive locations, primarily to detect explosives.
The ground deployment includes 166 mobile vans, 508 static pickets, 210 foot patrols, and 152 motorcycle patrols. Additionally, the plan incorporates 98 area covers, 140 vehicle-based Quick Response Teams (QRTs), 140 cordon searches, 70 plainclothes teams, and 133 checkpoints. Special security arrangements will be in place at 80 temples and 148 ticket counters to prevent fraud and ensure smooth travel.
Citizen Assistance and Awareness Campaigns
To assist passengers and prevent fraud or inconvenience, the Kathmandu District Police Range has established citizen assistance booths. The initiative began in Balaju, with a total of 12 such booths planned for areas including Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwor, Jadibuti, Gaushala, Chabahil Chowk, Gongabu Bus Park, Bijay Mall, Sitapaila, Jorpati, Balaju Bypass, Balaju Chowk, and Surungmarg Nagdhunga.
The security plan adopts a ‘PPI’ model, encompassing Promotional, Preventive, Enforcement, and Innovation strategies. Under the Promotional aspect, public awareness campaigns will be conducted through media, social media, and community engagement to disseminate safety messages. The Preventive strategy involves identifying potential crimes and risks, preparing in advance, strengthening patrols, surveillance, checks, and police presence in sensitive areas to deter crime.
Enforcement focuses on promptly apprehending and taking legal action against individuals involved in unlawful activities. Finally, Innovation emphasizes the maximum use of technology to ensure effective security arrangements.
Police Superintendent (SP) Dan Bahadur Thapa, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Range, confirmed these details during a press conference.
