Visakhapatnam: DRM calls for ban on single-use plastic material from railway premises

Visakhapatnam: As per the directives given by Government of India to ban single-use plastic, Waltair Division Railway Manager (DRM) Chetan Kumar Shrivastava on Wednesday called on all stakeholders to work together to banish single-use plastic material from railway premises and trains.

The Waltair Division of East Coast Railway has been observing the movement.

It has already set up plastic bottle crushers in all the platforms at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Posters have been displayed at public locations to create awareness about the adverse results of single-use plastic. For the first time in Indian Railways, Visakhapatnam railway station has kept Green Bins with CSR funds, which converts biodegradable waste into compost.

Speaking on the occasion, the DRM said, “The ban is expected to reduce India's annual consumption of plastic - an estimated 14 million tonnes - by about five per cent. Indian Railways plays a vital role in the successful implementation of such noble cause and Waltair Division stands first in shouldering such social responsibility.”

“It is a proven fact that Visakhapatnam station has been declared as a single-use plastic-free station, we have bagged cleanest railway Station, bagged Safaigiri award, stood as best tourist station at National and state levels and we are committed to make our division green Division incoming future,” he added.

Mr Shrivastava added, “Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain. Let us join hands to fight against the menace and save our planet- our future- our genesis.”