KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment is planning to strictly impose a ban once again on the use of polythene bags in the Kathmandu Valley from coming fiscal year. The ban on use of polythene bags was imposed effective from 14 April, but the ministry could not monitor the ban because of April 25 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. Ministry Spokesperson noted that use of polythene bags would be strictly restricted after monitoring the plastic bag producers and users from new fiscal year. So far, the ministry has seized 14 quintals of plastic bags after conducting raids on different companies producing polythene in major cities of the Valley.

It is stated that the plastic use not only inflicted damage on human health but also caused environmental degradation and eroded beauty of the city. Use of plastic bags will be discouraged with strict monitoring measures in commercial hubs from new fiscal year, said environment expert Jayaram Adhikari.