Manang village smoke-free for around four decades

MANANG, JUN 25 - Thinking of visiting Phu VDC in Manang? Remember to leave your cigarettes behind.

The VDC has declared itself a smoke-free zone and instituted an undecided fine for smoking and up to Rs 100,000 for shops selling cigarettes. However, no one has been punished as all, including those visiting the VDC, have obeyed the rule. Visitors are informed of the rule upon entering and so far there have been no violations till now.

According to local resident Tasi Lama, it was around 1971 when a Tibetan lama came to

the village and banned smoking to improve health of local residents suffering from tuberculosis and asthma. The informal rule has continued since then.

“One can not be addicted to smoking since birth. Smoking is a habit that will be discouraged only if one does not smoke,” said Lama. “I quit smoking after visiting Phu,” said Birkha Singh Tamang, member of the Union of Trekking Travels Rafting and Airlines Workers Nepal.

VDC secretary Kul Bahadur Basnet said smoking was banned mainly due to health reasons. “All local people know how bad smoking is. So they are healthier,” he said. 

Source: http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/06/25/national/manang-village-smoke-free-for-around-four-decades/356116/