KATHMANDU: The use of polythene bags has been banned in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) today onwards.

The KMC said this drive was launched to discourage the production of plastic bags as it would add to pollution in the town and create blockage in the drainage system. 

Spokesperson at the KMC Shanta Ram Pokhrel said the decision was taken because the polythene bags weighing less than 35 microns were not appropriate from the health perspective and the industrialists were also reluctant to produce the plastic bags weighing more than 35 microns. 

The KMC is scheduled to launch a publicity campaign in all 35 wards in the town for two weeks for effective implementation of the decision. 

The KMC has said that Rs 500 would be fined to a buyer and Rs 1,000 to the sellers.