Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Taking a cue from the PM Narendra Modi’s clarion call in his Independence Day speech to eliminate single use plastic in the country from October 2, 2019, Indian Railways has once again risen to the occasion to shield the environment from the menace of plastic. It has directed all Railway units to enforce ban on single use plastic material with less than 50 micron thickness from October 2, 2019. Emphasis is on making necessary arrangements to minimise generation of plastic waste and its eco- friendly disposal.
In this regard, Ministry of Railways has issued a circular stating the following instructions are to be enforced: with effect from October 2, 2019 : Ban on single use plastic material: All railway vendors to avoid use of plastic carry bags: Staff should reduce, reuse and refuse plastic products and to use inexpensive reusable bags to reduce plastic footprint: IRCTC to implement return of plastic drinking water bottles as part of Extended Producer Responsibility: and Plastic Bottle crushing machines to be provided expeditiously, according to a PIB release.
Strict enforcement of these instructions is to be from October 2 to give enough time to all concerned to prepare for “Plastic Free Railway”. Ministry of Railways has also instructed its Railway units that a pledge can be administered on October 2, 2019, to cut use of plastics. Also, Information, Education & Communication (IEC) measures are to be adapted to create awareness among railway users.