Smoking in public in Kathmandu? Beware of Rs 500 penalty

In Kathmandu Metropolitan City, anyone caught smoking in public places will now have to pay a fine of 500 rupees each time. This rule was made after the recently passed financial bill for the current fiscal year 2082/83.

According to Dhurva Kumar Kafle, assistant spokesperson of the metropolitan city, many complaints were received about people smoking too much in public areas. “We are focusing on a public awareness campaign,” said Kafle. “The city has formed four to five teams that carry microphones, display placards, and collect cigarette butts in metal containers. These teams visit different parts of Kathmandu to inform people about the harmful effects of smoking.”

Anyone who breaks this rule will be fined 500 rupees as per the financial law. The aim of this campaign is to stop smoking in public places and create a healthy environment, Kafle added.

This new rule passed through the financial act of the current fiscal year aims to reduce smoking and keep the environment clean. The metropolitan city plans to continue the awareness campaign and ensure the rule is properly enforced.