Ban on polythene bags comes into effect

KATHMANDU, June 15: The ban on the use and production of polythene bags in the Kathmandu Valley, which was announced by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), came into effect from June 15.



In the first month of the introduction of the ban, between June 15 and July14, those who use or produce polythene bags will not be punished. In the first month, the KMC will just organize awareness campaigns, urging the people not to use polythene bags. [break]



Public in every wards and committees would be informed about the negative effects of polythene bags through the use of loud speakers and distribution of pamphlets at department stores and every grocery stores.



“Such kinds of promotional activities will surely help us create awareness among people,” said Sadhuram Bhattarai, chief of Environment Division at KMC. “So, no one will be punished during the first month.”



However, after the first month of the campaign, people will not be allowed to use polythene bags in their businesses and its production will also be strictly banned. "Those who will defy the ban will be punished," said Bhattarai.



According to the Solid Waste Management Act, 2011, a person who violates the ban will be fined up to Rs 500. The fine can go up to Rs 1,000 for the producers of polythene bags.



According to the KMC, only those polythene bags that meet the minimum standard which is set by the Nepal government will be allowed inside the capital. According the standard, polythene bags should be produced weighing more than 20 microns which can be reusable and appropriate from health perspective.



 But in the context of Nepal, polythene bags weighing less than 20 microns are being produced, which is not good from the point of view of health and environment.

“We are not against the production of polythene bags but we want to ensure that they meet the standard set by the government,” said Bhattarai.



Nepal Plastic Manufacturers´ Association (NPMA) has filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court against the KMC´s ban on polythene bags in the capital.

According to NPMA, there is no alternative for polythene bags.



Earlier, KMC had tried to impose a similar ban in 2011 without much success.

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