Vijayawada Division, SCR Observes World Environment Day 2025 with a Strong Call to Beat Plastic Pollution

Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway marked World Environment Day today, i.e., 5th June 2025, with a vibrant array of green initiatives and public engagement activities aimed at reinforcing this year’s global theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution.”

The day began with a spirited assembly of Railway staff, officers, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and volunteers at the Clock Tower, Vijayawada Railway Station, followed by a Prabhat Pheri rally. The rally was led by Shri Narendra A. Patil, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, SCR, who marched alongside participants carrying banners and placards to spread awareness on environmental protection.

At the Gandhi Waiting Hall, passengers were treated to a thought-provoking Nukkad Natak (street play) performed by Bharat Scouts & Guides. The performance dramatized the dangers of plastic usage and its harmful effects on the environment, calling for collective civic responsibility. In a hands-on initiative to promote sustainable habits, cotton carry bags were distributed to passengers, encouraging travellers to opt for reusable alternatives over single-use plastics.

Shri Narendra A. Patil, Divisional Railway Manager, interacted with the media and highlighted the numerous eco-friendly measures undertaken by the Division. These include the installation of 100% LED lighting at stations, zero-discharge toilet systems in coaching depots, extensive use of recycled water for cleaning and horticulture, and effective waste segregation systems at major stations.

“The Indian Railways is not just a transporter—it’s a transformer. At Vijayawada Division, we are committed to building a greener future through concrete actions on the ground. Today’s celebration is a reminder that each one of us can contribute to a plastic-free environment,” said Shri Narendra A. Patil, DRM.

A pamphlet detailing the Division’s environmental achievements was also unveiled and circulated to passengers. The Division proudly showcased its recent green milestones, including:

• 26 stations equipped with plastic bottle crushers
• Twin dustbins installed at 20 stations
• 213 rainwater harvesting pits across the Division
• 2.814 MWp of renewable energy capacity established
• 66 water kiosks, reducing dependency on bottled water
• 85.971 km of boundary plantations developed, covering 1,03,165 trees
• During 2024–25, block plantations spanning 112.585 hectares with 1,12,585 trees were undertaken
• 10 pairs of trains converted to Head-On Generation, saving Rs. 32.85 crore annually in HSD oil consumption and drastically reducing carbon emissions

Later, a massive plantation drive with around 2000 saplings was conducted at Training Institute at Krishna Canal. Shri Narendra A. Patil congratulated Shri M. Kishore, Sr.DEnHM; Shri S. Varun Babu, Sr. Divisional Engineer (Co-ordination) and the Environment & Housekeeping Management (EnHM) and Engineering Departments for the excellent conduct of the programme. The event concluded with a renewed pledge by all participants to uphold sustainable practices—not just today, but every day.

SCR BZA PR No.40
Date: 5th June 2025