Vijayawada Division launches 'Swachhta Hi Sewa' Campaign

South Central Railway – Vijayawada Division launched ‘Swachhta Hi Sewa – Swachhta Pakhwada’ cleanliness campaign with the motto – ‘Say No to Single Use Plastic’ on 11th September, 2019. The fortnight long cleanliness drive being held all over Indian Railways from 11th September to 2nd October, 2019 is meant to make a visible difference to the cleanliness standards of Railway Stations and Trains. Shri P. Srinivas, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada started the campaign by administering Pledge on “Plastic Free Environment” to officers and staff at Divisional Office compound, Vijayawada.

Taking cue from the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s clarion call to eliminate use of single use plastic in this country, Indian Railways has risen to shield the environment from the menace of plastic and is aiming to become a Plastic Free Railways.

In this regard, Ministry of Railways has issued the following instructions:

• Ban on single use plastic material
• All vendors to avoid use of plastic carry bags
• Railway staff should reduce, reuse and refuse plastic products and instead should use inexpensive reusable bags to reduce the plastic footprint
• Plastic bottle crushing machines to be installed at all Railway stations in a phased manner

A rally on “Swachh Rail - Swachh Bharat - Swachhta Hi Sewa” was conducted by Officers & Staff at Vijayawada Railway station spreading awareness on ill effects of plastic on our environment. Plastic Bottle Crushing machines, separate dust bins for dry & wet waste with logos are installed at all major stations across the division with a view to promote clean and green environment. Similarly Swachhata Pledge was administered at various stations across the division by respective Station Managers & Supervisors. Shri Ram Chandra Sahoo, Sr. DEnHM, Shri. Ramesh Gaikward, DEnHM, Shri Ch. Suresh, Station Director, other Branch Officers, Inspectors and staff participated in the Rally at Vijayawada Railway Station.