As per recent updates, the Ministry of Railways has initiated the “Swachhta Pakhwara” program across all units of Indian Railways concurrent with the release of the Annual Report on Environment Sustainability. This article will provide detailed insights into these two fresh developments.
About Swachhta Pakhwara and its Key Features
“Began in April 2016, Swachhta Pakhwara is a two-week program aimed at increasing attention on cleanliness practices. This year, from September 16th to September 30th, this initiative will focus on keeping the train tracks at stations clean, enhancing the approach to major stations, and removing plastic waste from railway premises.
Throughout the fortnight, stations, trains, tracks, colonies, and other railway amenities will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, with specific consideration given to plastic waste management. Extensive awareness campaigns are also set to be executed through digital media and public announcement systems. The aim is to educate people about the use of bio-toilets, discourage single-use plastic, and endorse clean habits.
The progress of the Swachhta Pakhwara is meticulously monitored through the online monitoring system – Swachhata Samiksha. All plans, images, videos relevant to Swachhta activities are uploaded and shared on this platform.
Cleanliness-Related Initiatives
Several initiatives are taken concerning cleanliness. These include the World Environment Day observed on 5th June, Plastic Waste Management Rules passed in 2016, India Plastics Pact, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, and the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
The Annual Environment Sustainability Report
Meanwhile, the Annual Report on Environment Sustainability serves as an exhaustive referral document that manifests the steps undertaken by Indian Railways towards encouraging a green environment and clean energy.
This report highlights the Indian Railways’ efforts towards achieving net zero emissions, which include energy conservation measures, usage of alternate fuel, harnessing renewable energy, water conservation, afforestation, green certification of stations and establishments, installation of bio-toilets, solid waste management, and more.
The vision behind the report and all the measures mentioned therein is to promote a green environment and clean energy. The ultimate goal is to make Indian Railways a global leader in terms of offering sustainable mass transport solutions.
Source
This information has been sourced from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the official communication wing of the Government of India.
