NEPALGUNJ, Oct 22: Two local levels in Banke and Kailali have banned the use of plastic flowers and garlands in the upcoming Tihar and Chhath festivals.
In Banke district, Kohalpur Municipality has banned the use of plastic flowers and garlands in the lead-up to the Tihar and Chhath festivals.
Man Bahadur Giri, Chief Administrative Officer of Kohalpur Municipality, issued a notice stating that plastic flowers were banned from being sold or distributed across the municipality.
He explained that artificial flowers made of plastic have adverse effects on human health and pollute the environment, adding that the local government was strongly opposed to the use of such harmful materials.
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Giri also mentioned that artificial flowers were harming the cut-flower business. Local flower businesses have been severely impacted by the influx of plastic flowers, which are mostly imported from India, he argued.
Traders were also informed of the decision to ban the sale of these artificial products.
Marigold, Godawari, Makhamali, and other flowers are grown locally by farmers in various parts of the district.
The Ministry of Forest and Environment had previously decided to ban various plastic items in accordance with Section 15 (6) of the Environment Protection Act, 2076 BS. However, the decision has not been fully implemented due to a lack of effective monitoring.
Similarly, Tikapur Municipality in Kailali district has also requested that plastic flowers and garlands not be used during Tihar. Tikapur Municipality issued a notice urging all stakeholders to enforce a ban on plastic flowers.
Local farmers and flower traders have seen their businesses suffer due to the influx of plastic garlands.
Chief Administrative Officer Daman Singh Chaudhari stated that no one would be allowed to buy or sell plastic flowers and garlands during the Tihar and Chhath festivals in Tikapur. Anyone violating the decision would face legal consequences, he warned.
Local florists have welcomed the local government's decision. There are more than a dozen flower entrepreneurs in Kailali. Last year, when the market was flooded with artificial flowers, many florists were forced to throw away their fresh flowers in protest after they wilted unsold.
Florist Chhatra Malla said, "We incurred huge losses last year. The garlands we prepared for sale were not valued. But this year, the local government has made a welcome decision, which must be enforced effectively." He emphasized that banning the import of plastic items would foster floriculture and related businesses.
Similarly, customer Rabina Bista noted that flower traders had been experiencing losses due to plastic items. The recent decision by the local government is a much-needed and welcomed move, she observed.
