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The Hydrology and Meteorological Forecasting Division has stated that currently there is no remarkable influence of any weather system across the country.

This afternoon, there will be partial clouds in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces while the rest of the areas will see clear weather, it has been predicted.

The weather is expected to be generally clear throughout the country tonight.

As air pollution continues to choke the Kathmandu Valley, concerns over another major environmental crisis—plastic waste are mounting. Despite a series of ambitious government pledges to eliminate single-use plastics, implementation remains ineffective, and the problem is only getting worse.

Nepal first announced a ban on plastic bags in 2015, aiming to reduce non-biodegradable waste and protect major rivers. According to the government’s official gazette published on 1 April 2015, the production, import, sale, and use of plastic bags smaller than 20 inches wide, 35 inches long, and thinner than 40 microns were prohibited within the valley. The decision came into force on 14 April 2015, with plans to extend it nationwide. For a brief moment, the effort seemed successful—many citizens began carrying reusable bags, and plastic use in city markets visibly declined.

However, the devastating earthquake in 2015 and the subsequent Indian blockade derailed the momentum. The government’s focus shifted toward disaster relief and survival logistics, and plastic bags once again flooded the market. Relief efforts relied heavily on plastic packaging, further entrenching its use. In the years that followed, plastic bags made a full comeback, undermining years of environmental advocacy.

Since then, the government has made the same promise multiple times. In its annual budget speech for the fiscal year 2021/22, then Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel declared a complete ban on plastic bags thinner than 40 microns. This was the third such announcement by the federal government. “I have made arrangements to use cotton, jute or paper bags instead of plastic bags in all business houses including shopping malls and department stores,” Paudel stated, adding that companies replacing old plastic manufacturing machines would receive grants.

Yet, like previous declarations, the enforcement never materialized. Industrialists remained largely silent, with some expressing doubts about the feasibility of such a ban. Even the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) had pledged to make the city plastic-free within a year in its 2019/20 policy plan. That commitment, too, was abandoned without a single round of market monitoring.

Implementation efforts have been repeatedly hindered by external and internal factors. Apart from the 2015 disasters, protests by plastic industrialists and legal challenges have struck enforcement. In 2018, a writ petition filed at the Supreme Court by Explore Nepal Pvt. Ltd. temporarily halted the new ban. The court issued an interim order preventing the government from implementing its decision, leaving plastic production and use unchecked once again.

The Department of Environment’s monitoring drives have also been inconsistent. Local governments and district offices have often turned a blind eye to ongoing violations, making the ban little more than a paper directive. In 2023, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration once again announced a ban on plastic bags below 40 microns. The ministry’s secretary, Krishna Hari Pushkar, urged citizens to stop using thin plastic bags and called on all levels of government to enforce the rule.

According to a 2020 World Bank report, Nepal generates an estimated 4,900 tons of solid waste each day, with plastic waste accounting for about 13 percent of the total. According to the Waste Management Baseline Survey 2022, plastic accounted for 12 percent of household waste, 21 percent of institutional waste, and 22 percent of waste generated by commercial establishments. Yet, no tangible progress followed the 2023 announcement either. 

According to a 2024 World Bank report, Nepal generates around 60,000 tons of plastic waste annually, with a significant portion—nearly one-third—ending up in rivers that eventually flow into India and Ocean. Globally, about 8bn tons of plastic have accumulated in oceans, making the water increasingly acidic and threatening aquatic life. This pollution also affects the planet’s oxygen cycle, as oceans produce nearly 50 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, which is now under threat.

Environmental expert Ujjwal Upadhaya explains that globally, around 360m tons of plastic are produced each year, of which about 1m metric tons end up producing daily. When a plastic is formed, 6.1kg carbon emission is produced. 

Upadhaya further noted that studies in Brazil found microplastic particles in the brains of 33 deceased individuals, highlighting serious global health concerns. Similar research has yet to be conducted in Nepal. He added that the average person in Nepal carries an estimated 15 grams of microplastics in their body.

Moreover, the open burning of plastics releases dioxin gas, one of the most toxic pollutants, which remains concentrated at low altitudes, directly harming both humans and animals.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) also announced a ban on the open burning of waste and plastic materials to curb worsening air pollution during the winter months. According to the KMC Environment Department, the decision aims to reduce environmental and health risks linked to smoke and toxic emissions from burning plastics. Department Chief Sarita Rai emphasized that offenders will face a fine of Rs 10,000 per violation, noting that air pollution in the Valley spikes each winter due to widespread open burning. The ban prioritizes protecting vulnerable populations—especially children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. To ensure effective enforcement, KMC has launched awareness and monitoring campaigns under the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Environment and Natural Resources Conservation Act, 2020, and the Fiscal Act, 2025.

Plastics pose significant threats not only to the environment but also to public health. There are seven main types of plastic, each with distinct uses, recyclability, and health impacts. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is commonly used in water and mineral bottles and can be recycled; however, once recycled, it should not be reused for drinking purposes as it may release harmful chemicals. Recent tests even found 75–85 units of microplastic particles in some water jars, raising serious health concerns. 

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), found in shampoo and detergent bottles, is recyclable and safer for reuse in non-food products. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), used in plastic wraps and carry bags, is also recyclable but often poorly managed in Nepal. PP (Polypropylene), used for grain sacks (bora), bottle caps, and food containers, can be recycled if proper facilities are available. 

However, MLP (Multi-Layered Plastic)—commonly seen in chips and instant noodle packets—is known as “ugly plastic” because it is non-recyclable and harmful to both human health and the environment. Chemicals from such packaging can leach into food, posing risks especially to children, and Nepal currently lacks a system to monitor food packaging quality. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), used in pipes and wires, is difficult to recycle and releases toxic gases when burned. Finally, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), found in toys and electronic products, is one of the most hazardous plastics, as it is non-biodegradable and can release toxic substances that endanger both humans and animals.

Upadhaya said, “Burning of these plastics releases microplastics into the air, which we inhale. Some particles can enter the olfactory bulb—the part of the brain responsible for smell—potentially increasing the risk of brain strokes. Microplastics also travel down to the lungs, affecting vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart.” He also said that when the body tries to cope with such damage, it can trigger the development of cancer, which ultimately harms our health.

According to a report by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, plastic does not biodegrade but breaks down into microplastics—particles less than 5 millimeters in size. These have been found everywhere, from the depths of the oceans to Antarctic snow, and even inside human lungs and bloodstreams.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has confirmed microplastic traces in human organs such as the liver, kidneys, and placenta, raising alarm over potential health consequences. Similarly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that carcinogenic chemicals from plastics can leach into tap water, posing severe risks to human and ecological health.

Upadhaya said, “At present, Nepal mainly consumes salt imported from the ocean, which contains around five grams of microplastics per kilogram. People who regularly eat seafood tend to have even higher amounts of microplastics in their bodies.” He also noted that plastic pollution contributes to urban flooding by blocking drainage systems. According to him, “We cannot live without plastic, as it has become part of every aspect of our lives. However, the key is to reduce the use of the most harmful types, such as ABS plastic, and ensure that any plastic produced is properly recycled and responsibly disposed of.”

Recycling has often been promoted as a solution, but the challenges are alarming. Contamination from food residue, high processing costs, and limited infrastructure make large-scale recycling inefficient in Nepal. It reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources like petroleum, prevents environmental contamination, and decreases marine pollution. Recycling also mitigates microplastic formation and promotes public health by reducing exposure to toxic substances.

Experts argue that government policy alone cannot solve the plastic crisis. Consumers must adopt more sustainable habits—using reusable shopping bags, avoiding over-packaged goods, and participating in recycling programs. Supporting eco-friendly businesses and community-led recycling initiatives can also foster long-term change. Sangita Tamang, a grocery shopkeeper said she is compelled to use plastic bags despite knowing their environmental impact. “Clothes bags are expensive, and customers don’t want to pay extra for them,” she explained. “People are willing to pay for reusable bags in big malls, but when small shopkeepers like us charge for them, they accuse us of trying to make more money. So, we are forced to keep using plastic bags,” she added with a note of frustration.

The number of animals consuming plastic waste is also on the rise, as many ingest it unknowingly and die as a result. Upadhaya cited an example from the National park, where wild animals died after choking on plastic. He explained that plastic pollution not only harms land animals but also affects aquatic life, leading to a decline in fish populations. This, in turn, impacts the livelihoods of people who depend on fishing. Species such as the gharial and dolphin are also declining as their food sources diminish due to increasing plastic contamination in rivers and water bodies.

Globally, plastic production has skyrocketed—from 1.5m metric tons in 1950 to 359m metric tons in 2018—with between 4.8 and 12.7m tons ending up in oceans annually, according to PlasticsEurope.

Several organizations in Nepal including Doko Recyclers, Khalisisi, Upcycle Nepal, and Eco Sathi Nepal are actively promoting recycling and sustainability. Through their initiatives, they aim to reduce waste and encourage environmentally responsible habits. However, their efforts alone are not enough. True change requires collective action—every citizen must understand the importance of sustainability, adopt eco-friendly practices, and help raise awareness to protect the environment for future generations.

By minimizing plastic use and promoting recycling, communities can move toward a cleaner and healthier environment. Moreover, a cleaner environment free from plastic waste greatly enhances overall quality of life. Upadhaya said that by minimizing the production of toxic plastics, we can slowly reduce the risk of the plastic. Recycling also plays a vital role in reducing environmental contaminants and fostering sustainable, healthy communities where people can live and thrive in harmony with nature. Nepal’s repeated failures to enforce its plastic bans reveal deep systemic weaknesses—from political will and industrial pressure to inadequate alternatives and public awareness. Strict enforcement, providing viable alternatives, and mobilizing citizens toward behavioral change. Without such collective effort, Kathmandu’s rivers, air, and soil may continue to bear the brunt of plastic pollution for generations to come.

RightCard Payment Services Limited, trading as LemFi, said on Tuesday that it has received approval from Nepal Rastra Bank, the country’s central bank, to operate remittance services in partnership with eSewa Money Transfer, Nepal’s leading digital payment platform.

Through this partnership, LemFi can provide low-cost, reliable, and competitive international payment services to the residents in North America and Europe (including the United Kingdom), reads a statement issued by LemFi.

This will allow them to transfer money to Nepal as well as to countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

As remittances play a vital role in supporting the economy, this partnership with a trusted financial services provider emphasizes LemFi’s commitment to delivering innovative services while adhering to the regulatory frameworks of Nepal's central bank.

“We are honored that our partnership, aimed at better serving the Nepali diaspora, has received this approval,” said Muhammad Daiyaan Alam, LemFi’s Head of South Asia Expansion & Growth. “Nepal represents one of the most important remittance corridors in South Asia, and we welcome every opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to providing accessible and fair financial services for our customers as well as their beneficiaries,” according to the statement.

Nepal Russia Science Society (NRSS), in partnership with the Russian House, Kathmandu, organized a round table discussion on “People’s Diplomacy through Science and Education” at Kamalpokhari on Tuesday to mark the UN International Day of Science for Peace and Development.

Er Ganesh Shah, Former Minister for Science and Technology and President of NRSS, chaired the program, which was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ramesh Maskey.

Bringing together prominent scientists, academics, policymakers, diplomats and energy experts from Nepal and Russia, the program explored the role of science and education as powerful instruments of international cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development.

The event commenced with the official inauguration of a photo exhibition titled “Russian Universities: Diplomacy through Science and Education.”

Chief Guest Dr Rajendra Dhoj Joshi, Chairman of Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, inaugurated the exhibition, which showcased the legacy and modern achievements of Russian universities in building international academic collaboration.

In her welcome address after the inauguration, Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu, highlighted Russia’s commitment in promoting academic and scientific cooperation with Nepal.

“Science is not only about laboratories and theories; it is about people. When we connect scientists, educators, and young minds from Nepal and Russia, we create living diplomacy that lasts longer than any political document,” she said.

Representatives from leading Russian universities, including the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) and the Omsk State Agrarian University, joined virtually to share insights on Russia’s expanding network for global education and research partnerships.

Speaking on the occasion, Acad. Prof. Dr. Anjana Singh said that while science diplomacy is still emerging in Nepal, it holds immense potential.

“For a country like Nepal science diplomacy is a pathway to sustainable progress,” she noted, calling for institutional frameworks and science counselors within embassies.

Similarly, Prof. Dr. Jibaraj Pokhrel, Former Vice-Chancellor of NAST, stressed on the need for stronger national prioritization of science and technology, recommending the establishment of a Science Attaché post in Nepal’s embassies.

Likewise, Dr. Mitra Bandhu Poudel highlighted the gaps in policy and human resources, underscoring that Nepal must strengthen competency-based education and negotiation skills before engaging internationally.

Dr Dipak Gyawali, Former Minister for Water Resources, drew a distinction between science and technology diplomacy, stressing the value of Track-2 and people-to-people diplomacy:

“Academia, chambers of commerce, and the media must engage directly to keep collaboration alive even when governments pause,” he said.

Also speaking at the program, Dr Shambhu Ram Simkhada, Former UN Representative, observed that science and diplomacy both depend on truth and trust, stating that “foreign policy must be informed by evidence and guided by continuity.”

Prof. Dr. Tri Ratna Bajracharya linked renewable energy and international education to science diplomacy, noting that Nepal’s hydropower sector could serve as a platform for collaboration with Russia and beyond.

Kushal Gurung, President of the Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal, called for stronger climate diplomacy, while Er Gunaraj Dhakal, Climate and Energy Expert, emphasized bottom-up motivation and public–private partnerships for green transformation.

In his closing remarks, Er Ganesh Shah emphasized the transformative role of science in diplomacy, stating that it “connects nations beyond boundaries. We can foster global collaboration for peace and sustainability through education, research, and innovation,”