Supreme Court Orders Strict Enforcement of Plastic Bag Ban Nationwide
Summary
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to strictly enforce the nationwide ban on plastic bags thinner than 40 microns and single-use plastic products. It also directed stronger monitoring, higher recycling targets, and coordinated action across federal, provincial, and local levels.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court issued a mandamus order to strictly implement the ban on thin plastic bags and single-use plastics across Nepal.
- It directed the government to raise Extended Producer Responsibility recovery and recycling targets to at least 50 percent and build a centralized monitoring system.
- The court said plastic restrictions are a reasonable environmental regulation and linked the right to a clean environment with the right to live with dignity.
- The 11-point directive calls for stronger enforcement, penalties, local-level authority, and support for environmentally friendly alternatives.
