KAILALI: Tikapur Municipality is set to enforce a complete ban on plastic bags starting July 17.
The local government is preparing to implement the Plastic Products Ban Act, 2080 with the aim of addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable alternatives.
“Plastic is harmful from an environmental perspective,” said Mayor Ramlal Dagoura Tharu. “Controlling its use will greatly benefit the municipality, and the risks caused by plastic waste will gradually decline.”
Lok Bahadur Budha, chief of the municipality’s sanitation department, explained that the excessive use of plastic, particularly in market areas, has blocked sewage drainage and heightened the risk of flooding during the monsoon season. “We are banning plastic products to prevent such natural disasters,” he said.
To support the ban, the municipality has begun raising public awareness at the community level. Local business owners have responded positively to the move.
Businessman Pushparaj Devkota noted that although the transition was initially difficult, the change is now widely accepted. “After the municipality issued the notice, many traders began exploring alternatives,” he said.
The ban is also expected to boost the local garment industry, as cloth bags emerge as a practical replacement for plastic. Garment entrepreneur Matrika Prasad Timilsina said the ban has brought more work to local producers.
“The move to eliminate plastic, which harms public health, is helping local industries and creating employment opportunities at the community level,” he said.
Under the new law, anyone who sells plastic bags will be fined Rs. 1,000 for the first offense, Rs. 3,000 for the second, and Rs. 5,000 for the third and subsequent violations.
Consumers using plastic bags will be fined Rs. 10 for the first offense, Rs. 50 for the second, and Rs. 100 for the third. If they continue to use plastic despite repeated warnings, their names will be made public and further action will be taken.
Producers of plastic bags will face fines of Rs. 2,000 for the first violation, Rs. 4,000 for the second, and Rs. 6,000 for the third. Continued non-compliance will result in public disclosure and further penalties.
In an effort to involve the public in enforcement, the Act also offers a reward system. Fifty percent of any fine collected will be awarded to individuals who report the illegal production, sale, distribution, storage, or use of plastic products.
Members of the monitoring committee and other officials involved in enforcement are also eligible for this reward.
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