KATHMANDU, Dec 14 – In a significant move aimed at promoting public health, the Kathmandu Municipal Corporation (KMC) has officially enforced a complete ban on the storage, sale, distribution, and consumption of all tobacco products, effective from today.
The decision, announced on November 28 through a 15-day public notice, applies to various forms of tobacco, including raw tobacco and gutkha, as part of the city’s commitment to uphold the Tobacco Control and Regulation Act, 2068 BS.
According to Naveen Manandhar, the spokesperson for KMC, municipal police, including officers in plain clothes, are being deployed to monitor and enforce the ban. “If any shop is found to be in possession of tobacco products during monitoring, initial actions will include confiscation, with subsequent violations leading to closure of the shop after two prior confiscations,” Manandhar stated.
The Tobacco Control and Regulation Act is a key legislative framework designed to curb the adverse health effects associated with tobacco consumption, aligning with broader public health initiatives.
To facilitate the reporting of violations, KMC has urged citizens to utilize the KMC Police Force’s hotline at 18105000060, along with traditional telephone numbers 01-5901763 and 01-5901764. This collaborative effort encourages the community to actively participate in ensuring the successful implementation of the ban.
The move by the KMC is expected to have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of the residents of Kathmandu, aligning with global efforts to create tobacco-free environments and reduce the prevalence of tobacco-related illnesses.
14th Dec 2023
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