Minister Pandit to make green-sticker effective, ban non-biodegradable plastic

Kathmandu / Feb 27: Minister for Population and Environment, Lalbabu Pandit, has said non-biodegradable plastic producers would be brought under law.

Pandit further said that the outlets that use non-biodegradable plastic for everyday operations must make amends within three to six months, else action will be taken against them.

Speaking at an interaction at the Capital today, the newly appointed Minister pledged to come up with policies to implement ban on the manufacture of non-biodegradable plastic. He further said that vehicles without green-stickers would not be allowed on the roads of metropolitan and sub-metropolitan cities from the first day of the Nepali calendar new year.

Elaborate measures will be undertaken to control pollution — vehicles emitting black smoke will undergo standard-tests, brick kilns will be made eco-friendly and imported goods out of government standard list will be discouraged, added Pandit.

The Environment Minister’s personal secretary, Wasim Aalam informed THT Online that the Minister has already issued directives to the Ministry officials to work toward this goal and to study legal procedures to achieve the same.

“This is not a hasty decision but actually a step that was taken after a detailed study and usage of biodegradable plastic products. The Minister is determined to work toward achieving positive results within the next three to six months,” said Aalam.