HT DIGITAL
GUWAHATI, JULY 26: In a significant move towards sustainability, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will convert Guwahati railway station into a completely plastic-recyclable railway station by Independence Day. The move is one of the efforts of NFR to tackle plastic pollution on its network and encourage eco-friendly practices.
To implement this vision, NFR is working with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)–Guwahati and the Assam Pollution Control Board (PCBA) to formulate a detailed action plan. The railway has also engaged M/s Kusum Udyog, a PCBA-registered recycling agency, to bring in a comprehensive proposal for the project, said Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR.
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Under the initiative, the project team has examined existing waste disposal procedures at the station, spotted high-impact points of improvement, and outlined ways to minimize usage of single-use plastics. The plan consists of a step-by-step process for gathering, shredding, cleaning, and separating plastic waste produced at the station, ensuring proper recycling.
Apart from infrastructure development, NFR is also paying attention to public awareness. The railway zone Scouts and Guides have initiated awareness campaigns involving passengers and railway employees. These involve the use of placards, street plays, and plays that tour places to create awareness about plastic pollution and recycling.
“Not only is this initiative about waste management—it’s about building a culture of sustainability,” said Sharma. “We want to set an example by Independence Day so that other stations can follow, and make Guwahati a model of plastic recycling for the Indian Railways.”
