Big step towards ‘Plastic-Free Railways’! Indian Railways to ban single-use plastic across country from October 2
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New Delhi, Aug. 21: Banning single-use plastic is one of the most important steps towards sustainable development and combating climate change. Now, taking a concrete step towards sustainable development and eliminating the menace of plastic waste, Indian Railways directed all national units to ban on single-use plastics.
Indian Railways bans plastics with less than 50-micron thickness, from 2 October 2019.
The Railways has made the announcement prior to the date to ensure that the vendors can switch to alternatives so that passengers are not inconvenienced. All vendors are to avoid the use of plastic carry bags from the said date.
Indian Railways statement said, “Indian Railways has once again risen to the occasion to shield the environment from the menace of plastics”.
The statement also stated strict enforcement of these instructions is to be from 2.10.19 to give enough time to all concerned to prepare for ‘Plastic-Free Railways’.
Towards the drive, IRCTC will implement the return of plastic drinking water bottles as part of Extended Producer Responsibility while plastic bottle crushing machines will also be provided expeditiously for other vendors.
The Railways has also directed its staff to reduce, reuse and refuse plastic products and to use inexpensive reusable bags to reduce plastic footprint. Railways will also take up Information, Education & Communication (IEC) measures to create awareness among railway users as part of the drive against plastics.