KMC bans smoking, violators to face Rs. 500 fine

BY SUSHMA MAHARJAN,Kathmandu, Aug. 19: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has enforced a ban on smoking in public places, effective from August 17, in a bid to curb health risks from tobacco consumption and passive smoking. The new rule prohibits smoking in spaces such as roads, parks, and public vehicles, with violators subject to an on-the-spot fine of Rs. 500.

KMC Assistant Spokesperson Dhurba Kumar Kafle said the move comes as part of the metropolis’ effort to implement existing federal law, which already bans smoking in public space. “The federal law is clear, but in practice, it was not being enforced strongly. To address this gap, we launched awareness campaigns across all 32 wards and have now begun imposing penalties,” Kafle said.

According to Kafle, the metropolis has been actively working to discourage smoking in public. Prior efforts included monitoring the sale of cigarette packets in open spaces and conducting a month-long awareness drive from July 17 to August 16. The campaign involved public announcements and micing in areas where smoking was found to be prevalent.

“Due to limited human resources, we cannot monitor all areas at once. So, city police will patrol turn by turn across wards.” Kafle added. “Since the implementation of the rules, the KMC police have imposed fine to 17 individuals from different locations on August 17 and also 17 individuals on August 18. Each individual was fined Rs. 500.”

KMC officials say their priority is not just punishment but awareness. Along with fines, the city is planning continued outreach through local wards, schools, and community events to inform people about the risks of smoking.

Meanwhile, the rule has drawn varied responses from residents of the capital. For many young people and health-conscious citizens, it is seen as a step in the right direction.

Anish Thapa, 23, welcomed the metropolitan city’s decision. “Everyone knows smoking is injurious to health, yet there are still people who ignore it. At least this law helps protect those of us who want to stay healthy. It’s about respecting others’ right to breathe clean air,” he said.

However, for others, particularly daily wage earners, the decision has sparked frustration. Sushil Majhi, 43, a porter originally from Ramechhap, said the rule unfairly targets people like him. “I earn around Rs. 500 a day carrying loads. That is the same amount as the fine. If I get caught once, my entire day’s income will evaporate. I cannot afford to go to cafes or restaurants just to smoke. I smoke around 10 to 12 cigarettes daily, and many of my fellow porters are in the same situation,” Majhi explained, pointing at his colleagues who shared similar concerns.

In contrast, public health experts have also welcomed KMC’s decision, stressing that tobacco control policies are vital in a city where pollution and health risks are already high.

Dr. Niraj Bam, Associate Professor and Head of Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at the Bir Hospital, said, “Passive smoke is not just a minor inconvenience, it is a serious public health threat. Passive smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness, especially among children, women, and elderly people who are exposed involuntarily.”

He added that banning public smoking had benefits beyond health. “When people smoke in public, there is a risk that children and students will imitate the behaviour. Restricting smoking in public is not only about health, it also has moral and social benefits. Moreover, sales of tobacco and cigarettes around hospitals and schools should be strictly prohibited,” Dr. Bam said.

Dr. Bam further added that such measures often encourage smokers to cut down or quit. “When the environment around you becomes less conducive to smoking, many people are forced to rethink about their habit. This is a preventive step with far-reaching benefits,” he said.