Indian Railways declare 60 stations as plastic free

Indian Railways have taken a laudable step in 60 stations to make them plastic free - these stations are under the Chakradharpur railway division and include Tatanagar in Jharkhand and Rourkela in Odisha. The division has a total of 77 stations under its charge and out of these, 60 have been declared free from the menace of plastics.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 3 February 2016.

This was possible after a month-long drive throughout January against the use of plastics and littering at these 60-odd stations which have catering units and food stalls. The stations of Tatanagar, Rourkela, Chakradharpur and Jharsuguda have yielded positive results and, after a thorough review, the division has been declared as a plastic-free zone. These 60 stations are commercial stations which have catering stalls and vendors also put up their food stalls.
The use of plastic cups and glasses, polythene bags and thermocol cups and glasses have been completely banned at catering units and food stalls. Mineral water will continue to be sold in plastic bottles but, passengers would have to throw empty bottles and snacks and biscuit packets in designated dustbins.
As an alternative to plastics, paper bags and other paper products will be promoted on railway premises - these are eco-friendly and do not have environment or health hazards.
Severe penalty would be levied on violators - to have suitable checks on stall owners and catering units on platforms, spot fines ranging from between Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 are proposed depending on the seriousness of offense.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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Tale of toilets in Shimla – Swatchh Bharat campaign

In keeping with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create a Swatchh Bharat devoid of open defecation, Shimla is taking a lead to install e-toilets or electronic toilets in the city known lovingly as ‘Queen of Hills’. By installing these latest gadgets imported from France, these toilets will not only save water but, also, provide proper sanitation to visitors and citizens.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india dated 17 July 2015.

Shimla has been recognized by France for being one among the three cities of the world that is taking collective steps on climate change.
It has been explained by Shimla Mayor Sanjay Chauhan that these toilets required little water as compared to the traditional ones because they are fitted with latest technology. Therefore, even if someone forgets to flush the toilet, it will flush automatically.
Moreover, these toilets are portable, hygienically maintained, and eco-friendly and can be activated by inserting a coin. These also have an automatic door as well as a washing mechanism.
A total of 125 such e-toilets would be installed beginning from opposite the Town Hall building at Mall and would be extended to other important locations that are in crowded areas apart from areas where it is difficult to construct toilets.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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