By Murari Adhikari, Dhading, Aug. 16: The Prithvi Highway, which is often crowded with the vehicles entering and exiting the Kathmandu Valley, has been wearing a deserted look of late.

After complete restriction was imposed to enter the Valley due to increasing cases of COVID-19, only ambulances, vehicles carrying food supplies, and other vehicles used for essential services are seen running on the Prithvi highway, a gateway for 69 districts leading to the capital city.

According to the decision of the Dhading District Security Committee, movement of all vehicles except essential services has been prohibited in the district.

The Dhading district has imposed a prohibitory order from the Dhading-Kathmandu border, Piplamode, to the Chitwan border, Mauwakhola, which came to effect from August 14.

Rudra Malla, acting Chief District Officer of Dhading, said, "After the lockdown was ended, a massive increase was observed in the number of people entering the Kathmandu Valley. Thus, we have imposed a prohibitory order in the main highway leading to the Valley."

In the decision, which was also approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, entry and exit of vehicles from Nagdhunga, the main entry-point of Kathmandu Valley, has been prohibited until further notice.

Bishwaraj Khadka, Deputy Superintendent of Area Police Office, Gajuri said that the prohibitory order was being enforced strictly.