Railways to Undertake “Massive Shramdan” For Collection of Plastic Waste

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Indian Railways will undertake one more drive of “Massive Shramdan” with main focus on “Collection of  Plastic  Waste”. This is to be done on September 17, 2019.

This Shramadan is for Enhanced cleanliness through collection of plastic waste from all railway premises with particular attention to be given to approaches to stations ; Creating awareness for a greater impact against single use plastic; Displaying Replacements/ Substitutes for such plastic items; For distributing Cloth bags in large numbers as advised by the Environment and Housekeeping Management Division of Railways through its letter dated September 12, 2019,; and Educating all in Railways including vendors to be prepared for ban on single use plastic with effect from October 2, 2019. Single use plastic means usage of any plastic below 50 microns, in any manner, according to a PIB release.

The Railway Board had also sent a letter to all Divisional Heads telling them that this Massive Shramdan on September 17, 2019, should be arranged at each and every station and nearby localities, approaches to the stations, and in areas near tracks across the country. Senior most officials at the stations and at all other levels of Indian Railways have ben asked to lead the Shramdan involving participation of all railway employees, their families, railway pensioners, all other stakeholders and self help groups.  Charitable organizations are also to be requested to participate in the drive. Trade unions may also be actively involved, to make it a success. A report, including photographs, is to be submitted to the Environment and Housekeeping Management Division of Railways, according to a PIB release.

The Prime Minister had specially desired that Indian Railways should lead this initiative. Accordingly, the Railways Minister had directed for a 10 days cleanliness drive earlier for trains and stations starting September 2, 2019. He had been monitoring photos relating to several such drives being uploaded on E-Drishti and other dashboards. Indian Railways, due to such serious efforts to make cleanliness its work culture, had won the Best Union Ministry Swachhata award for 2018-19 presented by the President of India on September 6, 2019.

A competition on Plastic Waste Management at Railway stations is to be launched at the Divisional level followed by General Manager’s level. Best Zone / Division will be assessed by Railway Board based on the report submitted by Zones / Divisions.