MALIGAON, MAY 30 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has launched a campaign to eliminate plastic pollution and develop selected railway stations as plastic-free zones, aligning with Indian Railways’ broader environmental goals under the Swachh Bharat initiative.
The campaign was formally inaugurated on May 29 during a high-level meeting held at NFR Headquarters, Maligaon, as part of the World Environment Day 2025 observance. The meeting was chaired by NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava and attended by senior officials from all departments and divisions. Professor Vimal Katiyar from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati was the keynote speaker.
As part of the initiative, NFR aims to phase out single-use plastics, encourage sustainable alternatives, and foster behavioural change across railway premises. The campaign is scheduled to run from May 22 to June 5.
In his address, Professor Katiyar delivered a lecture on “Ending Plastic Pollution in NFR and Making 5 NFR Stations Plastic-Free,” underscoring the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste. He proposed feasible alternatives and stressed the role of Indian Railways in leading by example in sustainable infrastructure.
NFR’s action plan includes awareness drives, vendor sensitization, and coordination with state agencies and women-led enterprises, including those under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA). Efforts will also focus on integrating biodegradable products through ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) stalls and encouraging eco-friendly packaging practices.
IIT Guwahati will serve as the technical partner, supporting the production and distribution of biodegradable alternatives. The collaboration also seeks to involve local startups and manufacturers to ensure affordability and scalability.
The NFR General Manager thanked Professor Katiyar for his insights and called on railway staff, vendors, passengers, and communities to contribute to the initiative. The meeting concluded with a set of action points, including the nomination of nodal officers, drafting of station-specific plans, and agreements with IIT Guwahati.
