Kathmandu: Starting this fiscal year 2025/26, anyone caught smoking in public places within Kathmandu Metropolitan City will be fined Rs 500 per offense.
This provision was introduced through the newly passed Financial Act during the recently concluded municipal assembly.
The city administration stated that the decision was made in response to increasing complaints from the public about excessive smoking in public areas. Despite repeated public requests, the issue has persisted, prompting the city to implement stricter enforcement measures.
“Smoking in public places has always been prohibited, but due to the rising number of complaints on our hotline, we have decided to enforce a Rs 500 fine per instance,” said Metropolitan Police Chief Rajunath Pandey. He clarified that the smoking ban applies to all public places except private property.
In addition to the smoking ban, the Financial Act has introduced new fines for violations related to parking, unauthorized advertising, and misuse of public spaces. Vehicles parked outside designated areas will be subject to fines based on vehicle type: Two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters): Rs 1,000, four-wheelers (cars, jeeps, vans): Rs 2,500, medium-sized vehicles (minibuses, mini-trucks): Rs 3,500, and large vehicles (buses, trucks): Rs 5,000.
Unauthorized advertisements that go against prevailing laws will attract a fine of Rs 10,000. Hoarding boards visible from public places without prior approval can incur penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 100,000.
Similarly, littering public spaces through pamphlets, posters, stickers, brochures, or other promotional materials will result in fines between Rs 5,000 and Rs 50,000. Painting or writing on poles and walls, as well as balloon-based or similar advertising without permission, will also be penalized within the same range.
Erecting gates or welcome arches in public areas without permission will be fined from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000. Additionally, causing damage to trees or plants in public or protected spaces could lead to penalties ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 50,000.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has said these measures aim to ensure better urban discipline, protect public property, and maintain a clean and orderly environment.
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