As per the record of Department of Environment (DoE), over 340 kilograms of substandard polythene bags have been seized from various shops and department stores in various parts of Kathmandu in the last four days.According to Surendra Subedi, deputy director General at DoE, four monitoring teams have been formed to carry out market monitoring. Each team consists of government officials from MoSTE, DoE, municipality offices and the Nepal Police.
"The work of inspecting and monitoring plastic bags has resumed again. However, we have not taken any stern actions against people found possessing plastic bags yet. In case of repeated violations, such people will be asked to visit MoSTE and provide clarifications," said Subedi.
Currrently, the monitoring team in Kathmandu is focused on the western side of both Bishnumati and Dillibazar areas.
As per the report, the team had seized 32 kilograms of plastic bags from Sinamangal, Gausala, Kalimati and Naxal area on July 31. A total of 90 kilograms of plastic bags was seized from Bishalnagar, New Road, Indrachowk, Asan and Balaju area on August 2. Another 145 kilograms were collected from Balkhu, Teku, Boudha, and Bansbari on August 3.
The government teams confiscated 75 kilograms of substandard plastic bags from Anamnagar, Singadurbar and Chauni areas on August 4.
Subedi admitted the fact that ban on plastic bags has failed to become effective.
Addressing the issue, Subedi said they are in the process of finalizing punishments to make sure the ban is enforced strictly.
"There is a need for stern actions and new ways for implementing this ban. For this very reason, all concerned government bodies are coming together for a serious meeting," said Subedi.
Before the quake, the monitoring teams had inspected nearly 7,000 retail and wholesale shops, including 28 big department stores.
As per the government law, distribution and sales of plastic bags below 40 micron is completely prohibited in Kathmandu, whereas the use of plastic bags above 30 micron is allowed.
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