Most of the players are unemployed youths waiting to migrate for work. They say the game has become a stress reliever while those who set up the courts are making an income.

Heritage conservationists have criticised Kathmandu Metropolitan City for disregarding the historic, cultural and ecological values of the pond in the name of beautification project.

Unwarned, protesters were hit by water cannons and beaten up as they marched towards Baluwatar. Earlier in the day, rights activists were rounded up from same area.

Thousands attended Friday’s rally called by Dahal-Nepal faction of Nepal Communist Party against Oli’s House dissolution move. But not everyone was there to protest.

Police ask house owners in Kathmandu Valley to remain vigilant while renting out rooms and flats.

Officials say around 96,000 temporary police personnel will be recruited from third week of February.

On Monday night, a back-hoe loader was caught digging the historic pond. Heritage conservationists protested, but Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya was not at his office.

Nepal Street Vendors' Trade Union says that members of the city police have been earning hundreds of thousands of rupees every month by intimidating street businesses.

Many schools in the Valley have resumed classes from Sunday but virologists say the move is risky.

While Lalitpur Metropolitan City authorities have adopted a much gentler way to manage street vendors, their counterparts in Kathmandu are still resorting to brute force.

Motorists dismiss the vans as a mere gimmick unless there are enough of them to cover the entire city.

The move is aimed at easing the pressure of service seekers and discouraging corrupt practices, transport department director-general argues.

Conservationists say problem arose as the pond does not have an outlet. They suggest use of natural methods such as introduction of fish to remove the algae naturally.

Officials say the airport authority has not been cooperating fully to allow road widening work on its land due to security concerns.

Businesses should provide affordable services, but not compromise on standards, experts say.