Swachhta Pakhwara

• 19 Sep 2022

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Railways has launched “Swachhta Pakhwara” across Indian Railways.

• The Ministry also released the Annual Report on Environment Sustainability.

What are the Key Highlights?

• The Ministry of Railways is observing Swachhta Pakdwara from 16th September 2022 to 30^th September 2022.
• Special focus will be given on cleanliness of tracks at stations, approach to major stations and elimination of plastic waste in Railway premises.
• During the Pakhwara, intensive cleaning and sanitization of stations, trains, tracks, colonies and other railway establishments is being carried out with special focus on plastic waste management.
• Extensive awareness campaigns are planned to be carried out through digital media/public announcement through Public Address systems to educate people about the use of bio-toilets, avoiding single-use plastic, and observing cleanliness habits.

What is Swachhta Pakhwara?

• It was started in April 2016.
• It aims to bring a fortnight of intense focus on the issues and practices of Swachhta by engaging GOI Ministries/Departments in their jurisdictions.
• The Ministries observing Swachhata Pakhwada are monitored closely using the online monitoring system of Swachhata Samiksha where action plans, images, videos related to Swachhata activities are uploaded and shared.

What are the Initiatives related to Cleanliness?

• World Environment Day (5^th June)
• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
• India Plastics Pact
• Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
• National Mission for Clean Ganga

What is the Annual Environment Sustainability Report?

• About:
  • It is a comprehensive referral document highlighting steps taken by Indian Railways to promote green environment and clean energy.
  • This report brings out Railways’ effort towards net zero emission such as energy conservation measures, alternate fuel, harnessing renewable energy, water conservation, afforestation, green certification of stations and establishments, bio toilets, solid waste management etc.
• Vision:
  • To promote green environment and clean energy while making the Indian Railways a global leader in sustainable mass transport solutions.

Source: PIB