Hans News Service Vijayawada

VijayawadaDivision of South Coast Railway (SCoR) observed the nationwide Swachhata Hi Sewa campaign for two days, focusing on the theme ‘Swachhata Se Samriddhi’ and undertaking a series of initiatives aimed at waste management, recycling, reuse of scrap and environmental awareness. The campaign concluded on Tuesday.

As part of the campaign, activities were organised under ‘Kabaad Se Jugaad’ and ‘Kabaad Se Kala’, promoting the creative reuse of railway scrap. Old signalling equipment, coach components and other metal scrap were converted into useful articles and display installations. These were placed at railway stations, colonies and workshops to create awareness among passengers and staff about reuse and recycling. Vijayawada Railway Station, Electric Loco Shed, Diesel Loco Shed, Wagon Depot and the Coaching Depots at Kakinada Port and Vijayawada participated in the initiative.

Plastic Recycling Melas were also organised at major stations and divisional locations to facilitate the collection and recycling of plastic waste. Vendors, catering units, canteens and other bulk waste generators were sensitised about proper waste disposal and connected with authorised recycling agencies for collection and processing. The Division is also establishing linkageswith authorised recyclers to ensure that segregated plastic waste collected from stations, railway tracks and colonies ischannelled for appropriate recycling instead of being mixed with general waste. Awareness and cleanliness drives were conducted at several locations, including Rajahmundry, Eluru, Samalkot, Gudur, Nellore, Tuni, Tenali, Ongole, Bhimavaram Junction, Chirala, Anakapalle, Tadepalligudem, Nidadavolu, Narasapur, Palakollu, Tanuku,Singarayakonda, Annavaram, Kakinada Town and Bhimavaram Town. Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, SCoR, Mohit Sonakiya said the initiatives were aimed at strengthening sustainable waste management practices across railway premises.