JHAPA, JULY 16

Kankai Municipality in Jhapa district has prohibited the sale and consumption of tobacco products starting from July 17.

The decision to ban the sale and consumption of tobacco products was taken during a town assembly meeting, following the formulation of an act specifically addressing this issue, according to Mayor Rajendra Kumar Pokharel.

The ban on tobacco products has been imposed due to the health and environmental risks associated with their use. Mayor Pokharel emphasised the importance of implementing the municipality's decision and urged everyone to comply with the new regulation. This initiative is part of Kankai Municipality's broader campaign to enhance cleanliness, beauty, management, and development at the local level.

The municipality's Chief Administrative Officer Mohan Prasad Neupane stated that violating the ban and engaging in the sale of tobacco products would result in a fine of Rs 50,000. Additionally, a fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed for consuming tobacco products in public places. The municipality aims to enforce these penalties to discourage the sale and use of tobacco and promote a healthier and cleaner environment for its residents.

A version of this article appears in the print on July 17, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.