KMC takes major step towards sustainability: Plastic use banned

Published On: July 18, 2023 11:15 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, July 18: In a move towards environmental preservation, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has officially banned the use of plastic, effective from Monday. The decision, announced by KMC Mayor Balendra Shah on June 21, has now been implemented, with strict measures to curb plastic pollution.

Rabin Man Shrestha, head of the KMC’s Environment Department, confirmed that the ban encompasses the production, sale, distribution, and import of plastic flower bouquets, as well as the use of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns within the metropolitan area.

To ensure widespread compliance with the ban, citizens are urged to refrain from using plastic bags thinner than 40 microns. This initiative aligns with KMC's commitment to creating a cleaner and greener city for its residents.

The KMC has allocated a substantial budget of 25.54 billion rupees for the fiscal year 2023/24, with 879 million rupees designated for waste management and environmental programs. Additionally, 270 million rupees have been set aside for the acquisition of new vehicles and equipment to support cleaning work. An additional 70 million rupees will fund the "Mahanagar Swarnim Yojana," a cleaning and protection program for rivers within the KMC area.

Recognizing the importance of research and study, the KMC has earmarked a separate budget for environmental studies related to air pollution, noise pollution, and other factors affecting the metropolis.

To combat vehicular pollution, the KMC is collaborating with relevant agencies to monitor and restrict vehicles that exceed prescribed pollution standards.

Furthermore, the KMC aims to keep its rivers clean through the implementation of a "river cleaning golden scheme," which involves regular cleaning of river channels within the city. To facilitate this effort, KMC will invest in essential equipment and establish waste water treatment centers in the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers.

The KMC said that from this year, it will conduct studies and research on various pollution control measures including air, noise, and visual pollution and take all necessary steps to make policy arrangements.