Smuggled Indian flowers worth 2.8 million destroyed; Tihar flower trade expected to reach 645 million

The Armed Police Force has seized and destroyed flowers worth about 2.8 million rupees that were smuggled in from India, evading customs, targeting Tihar and Chhath.

The marigold, lotus and tuberose flowers were found at various border points in Jhapa and Dhanusha. In the Devibasti area of Bhadrapur Municipality in Jhapa, a nine-member patrol team from the Armed Police Force Jhapa battalion seized 11,342 marigold garlands and 12 bags of lotus flowers based on specific information.

These flowers were valued at about 2,563,000 rupees. They were buried in a pit dug on vacant land within the battalion office premises in the presence of relevant representatives.

Security agencies have tightened surveillance to stop illegal smuggling across the border during Tihar.

Meanwhile, the Floriculture Association Nepal has estimated that flower trade worth about 645 million rupees will take place nationwide during this year's Tihar. On Sunday, Laxmi Puja day, crowds gathered in Kathmandu Valley to buy marigold and makhmali flowers for the puja and Bhai Tika.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has designated specific locations and made special arrangements for flower trading. According to the association, commercial flower farming is taking place on more than 325 hectares nationwide, with an estimated investment of about 11.5 billion rupees in the sector.