Local levels ban plastic flowers in Banke, Kailali

Nepalgunj, Oct 22: Kohalpur municipality of Banke district has banned the use of plastic flowers and garlands in the wake of Tihar and Chhath festivals. Chief administrative officer at Kohalpur municipality, Man Bahadur Giri, has issued a notice informing public that plastic flowers were banned for distribution and sales in the local level.

The artificial flowers made of plastic cause adverse effect on human health and pollute environment, he said, adding that local level was strongly against the use of such deleterious matters. Moreover, Giri informed that the artificial flowers were also hampering the sales of florists. Local business of flowers is badly impacted due to the market flooding of plastic flowers, he argued. The traders were also made aware not to sell such artificial items. Such flowers are largely imported from India. The marigold, godawari, makhamali and other flowers are produced locally by the farmers at different places in the district.

The Ministry of Forest and Environment had decided to ban various plastic made items in line with Section 15 (6) Environment Protection Act, 2076. However, it is not abided by fully nor the monitoring enforced strictly. Tikapur municipality of Kalali district has also requested everyone not to use plastic flowers and garlands. Tikapur municipality issued a notice, urging all sides to ban the use of plastic flowers. The farmers and traders of flowers witness a dent in the businesses with the market intrusion of plastic garlands and it is harmful to human health and an environment pollutant.

Chief administrative officer Daman Singh Chaudhari informed that none would be allowed to buy and sell the plastic made flowers and garlands during the Tihar and Chhath festivals in Tikapur. Anyone violating the diktat would be booked, he warned. With the local level’s decision, the florists have been happy. There are more than a dozen of flower entrepreneurs in Kailali.

As the flowers wilted after the market was flooded with artificial flowers last year, the florists threw away the flowers in protest. A florist Chhatra Malla said, “We incurred huge loss last year. The garlands readied for sale did not get value. But this year, the local government came up with a welcome decision, which must be enforced effectively.” If the import of plastic items is banned, it would foster floriculture and associated business, he underlined.

Similarly, a customer Rabina Bista said those trading flowers were facing loss owing to plastic items. Recent decision of the local level is the most welcomed move, she observed. —RSS