July 4: The government is preparing a strategy to ban the production and trade of polypropylene bags in the country. According to the Ministry of Population and Environment (MoPE), it is making strict law to stop the import, export, use and production of polypropylene from the fiscal year 2073/74.

Organising a press conference on the occassion of International Plastic Bag  Free Day on Sunday, July 3, MoPE Seceretary Dr Bishwonath Oli, said that the Environment Department is doing homework to make necessary strategies for the purpose. He added, " Due to the lack of strong policy decision, attempts to ban the use of plastic bags were not successful. This time the government has stressed to control the use of plastic bags even in the budget." According to him,  interminesterial collaboration is essential for the implementation of the strategy.

 However, plastic produces have been strongly objecting the government's action to restrict the production and use of plastic bags. Santosh Kumar Sedai, General Seceretary of Nepal Plastic Manufacturers' Association said that the decision discourages industrialiasts and entrepreneurs of the country. " The sector having more than Rs five billion in investment is endangered by the government's action," he mentioned.  

As per the Association, there are around 200 plastic industries in the country employing more than 10,000 people. Sedai claimed that the decision has came under the pressure of NGOs and INGOs. The Association blamed that the government has been irresponsible in its actions to ban plastic business rather than effectively implementing garbage management.

According to Sedai, all types of plastic are not harmful for human health and environment. He said, " The Assocation is ready to re-cycle used plastics." As per Sedai, producers are ready to produce plastics of more than 20-30 microns, a standard set by the government. He said that it is not right for the government to influence plastic industries to substitute to alternative businessess. He said, "It is impossible to attract people for other occupation who are working in plastic industries for so long."

The Govt had tried to control the usage of plastic bags in recent years, though the decisions have not been implemented yet. The plastic bags having less than 20 micron are harmful for the health of human and environment as a whole. Citing the reason, the government tried to ban plastic bags in 2000/2001. Likewise, in 2012/2013 it attempted to control use of plastic bags in the Kathmandu Valley. Also, in 2015 the government tried to ban trade and use of plastic bags.