National Green Tribunal Seeks Compliance Report On Waste Disposal At Railway Station

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the divisional railway manager and MP Pollution Control Board to file a compliance report within two months. The NGT has taken suo motu cognisance of a news report published in the media over Municipal Solid Waste disposal at Rani Kamlapati Railway Station.

As per the order, the DRM/Railway Board should constitute an environmental cell with officials qualified in the environmental field to train staff and engage in the collection, transportation and handling of municipal solid waste along with the operation of MRF and SLF in accordance with the MSW Rules.

The MPPCB is directed to take necessary steps for compliance with the order and, in case of violation, take necessary punitive action as well as realise environmental compensation and damages according to the rules. It has also been directed to take remedial measures for restoration of environmental damage.

During inspection and examination of the footage, it was observed that plastic bags containing waste were already present on the goods train at the time of its arrival at Rani Kamlapati Railway Station.

As per protocol, the cleaning staff is required to collect garbage at designated points so that it can be easily picked up by municipal vehicles. However, instead of following this system, the staff is placing waste on the racks of goods trains.

Piles of garbage are often seen behind platform benches. Cleaning is reportedly carried out only after complaints are raised, indicating a lack of regular monitoring and accountability.