The Railway Board has issued a new policy saying that 1% of funds from every project should be used for environmental work. The Environmental and House Keeping Wing of the Western Railway, which has been active since June this year, will keep a track of such projects and ensure the money allotted is put to good use.
According to Western Railway officials, the step has been taken to make railway premises environment friendly. A senior Western Railway official said, “According the Railway Board’s guidelines, environment friendly projects will be undertaken by the Railways using the 1% funds.” The Western Railway has decided to commission an effluent treatment plant or water recycling plants at six different locations: 1000 KLD plants at the Lower Parel Workshop in Mumbai Central Division, Gandhidham Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad Division and other divisions such as Indore, Surat, and Ratlam. According to a survey conducted by railway officials an average 1000 KL portable water will be saved per day after the water treatment and recycling plants have been installed.
The fund will be created by setting aside 1% of the budget from major projects such as doubling work, electrification and gauge conversion. Ravindra Bhakar, chief public relations officer, Western Railway, said, “We have identified a few locations where the funds can be put to use. It will not only benefit the environment but will also be beneficial to the Railways and the passengers.”
The green projects will be used to conserve rainwater. A solid waste disposable management system will be set up at Pratapnagar Railway Hospital, Baroda railway station and Mumbai Central station. Officials say the initiative will encourage authorities to start projects that protect the environment. “The Railways has made several plans to save the environment but lacked necessary funds. By forming this fund we can carry forward these projects,” an official said.
