The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has imposed a ban on the burning of plastic and other waste materials within its jurisdiction to combat worsening air pollution and protect public health.
According to the Environment Department of KMC, the decision aims to reduce hazardous emissions that intensify during the colder months as residents burn household waste and plastics in open spaces.
Department Head Sarita Rai stated that open incineration of such materials releases toxic gases, posing serious threats to human health and the environment. “Each year during winter, air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley rise sharply, and a large portion of this pollution results from the open burning of plastic waste,” she said.
Rai added that violators of the ban will face a fine of Rs 10,000 for each offense. The regulation will be strictly enforced under the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Environment and Natural Resources Conservation Act, 2077 BS, and the Fiscal Act, 2082 BS.
“This measure has been enacted to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution, which disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases,” she noted.
KMC has also launched awareness and monitoring campaigns to discourage plastic burning and promote safer waste management practices. Rai emphasized that the city will take strict action against those who ignore the ban to safeguard public health and the environment.
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