Birgunj: In a decisive move to prevent misuse and ensure safety, the District Administration Office Parsa, has banned the sale and distribution of acid and other dangerous chemicals without formal permission.
The decision, outlined in a public notice, requires businesses and individuals to obtain an official permit for both the sale and use of such substances.
The order, which comes under the framework of Nepal’s Acid and Other Hazardous Chemicals (Regulation) Rules, 2021, mandates stricter control over the handling of potentially dangerous chemicals.
According to Assistant Chief District Officer Uttam Kumar Ghimire, the regulations aim to reduce illegal and unregulated chemical distribution, addressing long-standing public safety concerns.
“Only those with formal permission will be allowed to engage in the sale and distribution of hazardous chemicals,” Ghimire said, citing Section 4(b) of the Regulation.
This section grants administrative authorities the power to control chemical distribution in an effort to prevent accidents and misuse, particularly in industries and educational institutions where such substances are frequently utilized.
Per Section 11(4) of the Regulation, industries, laboratories, research centers, educational institutions, and even metalworking shops using these chemicals must seek permits from the administration before proceeding.
The new enforcement measures apply across a range of sectors, including jewelry makers and workshop operators who routinely handle dangerous substances like acid.
The public notice stresses the legal consequences for those who operate outside the law: “Any firms, companies, or individuals selling or using acid or other dangerous chemicals without a valid permit—or operating with an expired permit—will face legal action,” the notice warns, “Violators may face severe penalties, as the administration seeks to tighten oversight and prevent further incidents related to chemical misuse.”
Nepal has faced multiple high-profile incidents involving acid attacks, leading to a public outcry and demands for stricter laws regulating the sale of hazardous substances.
This regulatory shift reflects Nepal’s ongoing struggle to balance industrial needs with public safety, as concerns over chemical-related accidents and violence persist.
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