KATHMANDU: While most local governments across the country have banned the sale of plastic garlands, they remain widely available in Nepalgunj. Despite significant local production of marigold flowers in Banke intended to replace Indian imports, artificial plastic garlands continue to dominate the market.
Plastic garlands are openly displayed for sale at various shops during the Deepawali fair in Nepalgunj’s Sadarline, as well as in wholesale shops located in Biskorian Tole. Environmental activist Hemantraj Kafle stated that the continued sale of these items is largely due to a lack of public awareness regarding the negative health impacts associated with plastic materials. He urged residents to opt for locally grown marigolds, noting that the district has achieved a high level of flower production this year sufficient to meet local demand.
Local businessman Subash Shah noted that although the import of Indian flowers has decreased significantly this year, the influx of plastic garlands persists. He added that the prevalence of these artificial products has adversely affected the sales of locally harvested marigolds. Jay Basnet, a flower entrepreneur from Kohalpur-13, has called for a formal ban on the import and sale of plastic garlands, emphasizing that they are harmful to health.
