Health and Environment Take Center Stage as Kathmandu Implements Historic Tobacco Ban
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has issued a groundbreaking ban on the sale and distribution of plastic-packaged tobacco products, effective in 15 days. The decision aims to improve public health and tackle plastic pollution. Violators face strict penalties, as emphasized by the Metropolitan Police. The move aligns with global trends in prioritizing health, the environment, and regulatory actions.
Kathmandu, 28th December
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has officially banned the sale and distribution of tobacco products packaged in plastic, marking a significant move for public health and environmental well-being. This crucial decision was announced today by the health department through an official notification, signalling a major effort to create a healthier and cleaner environment in the metropolitan area.
The ban, set to take effect in 15 days, covers a range of tobacco products like khaini, gutkha, and panparag, commonly enclosed in plastic bags. The health department’s decision is fueled by concerns about the harmful effects of plastic packaging on both human health and the environment.
Stringent consequences await those who violate this rule, as emphasized by the health department’s warning. The Metropolitan Police, tasked with enforcing this directive, has stated that any goods found in breach will be seized, and those involved in distribution will face legal penalties.
“This notice is for the information of everyone, including those who are deaf. Anyone found disobeying and distributing these goods will face confiscation by the Metropolitan Police, and the businesspersons involved will be punished according to the law,” cautioned the Metropolitan Police in a statement.
This move aligns with Section 4 of the Tobacco Control and Regulation Act, 2068, which already prohibits smoking in various public places within Kathmandu Metropolitan City. These places include educational institutions, airports, kindergartens, homes, clubs, public toilets, hotels, restaurants, hostels, gymnasiums, department stores, hospices, and public waiting rooms.
The comprehensive ban covers a variety of tobacco products such as Bidi, Singar, Tobacco, Sulfa, Cakkad, Raw Tobacco, Khaini, Gutkha, and others. The goal is to reduce the usage and distribution of harmful tobacco products while also addressing the persistent problem of plastic pollution.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s decision to ban plastic-packaged tobacco products is part of a global trend where cities and regions are increasingly recognizing the connection between public health, environmental sustainability, and regulatory measures. The adverse impact of plastic packaging on ecosystems, combined with well-documented health risks associated with tobacco use, underscores the importance of proactive measures.
As the metropolitan area prepares for the implementation of this ban, citizens are encouraged to adapt to these changes for the collective benefit of public health and environmental preservation. This action not only positions Kathmandu as a leader in responsible governance but also sets a precedent for other regions to consider similar measures in their ongoing efforts to create healthier and more sustainable communities.
