Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna railway station features a globe filled with plastic bottles, a stark reminder of the harm caused by plastic pollution on our planet.
Credit: DH Photo
In an effort to instill in citizens the importance of keeping the environment clean and ensuring a litter-free atmosphere, Sanjeev Kishore, General Manager, South Western Railway launched Swachhta Pakhwara (Fortnight) by administering Swachhata pledge to officers and staff at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The Swachhta Pakhwara programme is a fortnight-long drive observed to involve participation of citizens in Swachhata activities. The programme commenced with a signature campaign and walkathon in KSR Bengaluru Railway Station.
The first day was observed as ‘Swachh Awareness Day’ and awareness was created among the people about the importance of cleanliness and the ban on single use plastic in railway premises. Bharat Scout and Guides unit from railways performed a street play to sensitise passengers about cleanliness inside the railway premises. An innovative 'Plastic Asura' walked around the station, interacting with people about the dangers of single-use plastic, and encouraging them to give up plastic.
A sculpture of the earth, made using plastic bottles, installed at the station attracted a lot of attention. The installation, made by the staff of environment and housekeeping branch of Bengaluru Division, was made using 18 kg waste plastic bottles collected from KSR Bengaluru station in just ten hours.
Ajay Singh, chief mechanical engineer, (environment and housekeeping) South Western Railway, Yogesh Mohan, Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru Division, and other senior officers were present on the occasion. Dr Vandana Srivastava, Zonal President, South Western Railway Women’s Welfare Organization along with Shikha Agarwal, Division President and other members of the organization also present.
The Swachhata Pakhwara (fortnight) has simultaneously been launched in Mysuru and Hubballi divisions.