12 stations to go green in Varanasi Division of NER

VARANASI: The Varanasi division of the North Eastern Railways is stepping forward in the direction of converting 12 railway stations under its jurisdiction into green stations, said divisional railway manager Vijay Kumar Panjiyar.
After inaugurating an Ayush garden in the coaching depot at Manduadih on the occasion of World Environment Day on Saturday, Panjiyar said, “All work including energy and water conservation in the division is being done for environment conservation in the division.”
He added, “So far, 12 railway stations selected in the division are being developed as green stations, by seeking consent to operate from UP and Bihar pollution control boards, in order to check the water and air pollution as per the prescribed standards of National Green Tribunal.”
Manduadih railway station has already been developed to the same standard and it has received 5S certification from Quality Circle Forum of India.
Measures like water recycling plants and automatic coach washing plants installation at Manduadih and Chhapra coaching depots and bio-toilets in coaches are not only helping in checking wastage of water and disposal of 2.74 lakh liters of bio-waste between tracks but also improving sanitary conditions, he said.
A total of 6,000 saplings had been planted in the last financial year and this practice will continue in the current financial year also.
“The railway establishments and residential colonies show how the railway employees conserve the greenery by taking care of plants and trees after plantation,” he said adding, “green nurseries are also being developed on land strips available along railway tracks in Chhapra, Ballia, Mau and Ghazipur City stations. Pump automation is being done in division for water conservation.”
Fast replacement of diesel locomotives by electric locos with the completion of electrification work, is also bringing down the pollution caused by diesel, goods shades are also being developed as per NGT norms.
He also highlighted other measures like production of 33,441 units of solar power, rain water harvesting systems, digitalisation of offices and complete check on single use plastic initiated in the division.
The division will hold a series of events for ecosystem restoration round the year. An Ayush garden with medicinal plants has also been set up, said additional DRM Praveen Kumar.
The division also held on-line painting competitions while plantation events were also organised at Ghazipur, Mau, Sivan and other railway stations.