Railways in India to Implement Prohibition on Disposable Plastic Items
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Indian Railways has announced a ban on single-use plastic items with less than 50 micron thickness, effective from October 2nd, 2019. The initiative, known as the "Plastic Free Railway," aims to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly practices across railway stations and trains.
The Ministry of Railways has issued a circular, directing all Railway units to enforce these instructions strictly from October 2nd, 2019. The ban includes a prohibition on the use of plastic carry bags by all railway vendors.
To facilitate the transition, Indian Railways has initiated a program for eco-friendly disposal of plastic waste from the same date. Moreover, plastic bottle crushing machines will be provided expeditiously to encourage the return of plastic drinking water bottles as part of Extended Producer Responsibility.
Information, Education & Communication (IEC) measures are being adopted to create awareness among railway users about the plastic ban and the importance of going plastic-free. Awareness campaigns for passengers and railway staff will focus on the harm caused by plastic waste to the environment and cattle.
Railway units are encouraged to promote eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, paper packaging, and metal or glass utensils instead of plastics. Vendors and contractors at railway stations are instructed to avoid using plastic carry bags.
In addition, increased installation of recyclable and waste segregation bins at stations will help manage plastic waste efficiently. The Ministry of Railways has also directed all Railway units to make necessary arrangements for eco-friendly disposal of plastic waste.
Indian Railways is also encouraging its staff to reduce, reuse, and refuse plastic products and to use inexpensive reusable bags. A pledge to cut the use of plastics can be administered to both passengers and railway staff on October 2nd, 2019.
This initiative aligns with the broader Government of India's initiatives banning single-use plastics, which started around 2019-2022 and extend into Indian Railways operational policies. Thus, the core measures focus on banning plastic use in trains and stations, enforcing alternatives, raising awareness on plastic hazards, and improving waste management infrastructure to foster eco-friendly practices.
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- The ban on single-use plastic items, including plastic carry bags, by all railway vendors aligns with the broader government initiative of promoting environmental science, specifically addressing climate-change issues through sustainable-living practices.
- As part of the Plastic Free Railway initiative, Indian Railways is implementing IEC measures to educate passengers and railway staff about the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment and cattle, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, paper packaging, and metal or glass utensils in the home-and-garden sector.
- In line with Indian Railways operational policies, increased installation of recyclable and waste segregation bins at stations and the provision of plastic bottle crushing machines will foster the transition to a more sustainable lifestyle, facilitating the disposal of plastic waste in an environmentally friendly manner.
