After two-month campaign, Railways to penalise violators

Mysore/Mysuru: South Western Railway (SWR), Mysuru Division, has launched a two-month drive to sensitise passengers on ban on use of plastics in Railway Stations and on trains as per the directives issued by Government of Karnataka.

As part of the campaign, posters and stickers have been pasted at major stations and trains.   Awareness rallies at stations have also been conducted to educate the passengers on plastic ban. 

Government of Karnataka has banned use of carry bags, banners, sheets, plastic flags, cups, plates, spoons etc., made of plastic and thermocol and advised Railways to implement the ban at trains and stations.

During the drive period, passengers will be screened for carrying of plastics inside stations premises and on-board trains. Passengers will be counselled by Health Inspectors, Ticket-checking staff and security staff regarding harmful effects of use of plastics and discipline to be followed for non-use of plastics with specific attention on plastic carry bags.

Last week, around 2,300 passengers were randomly screened and 400 passengers were found carrying plastic carry bags. 1,700 on-board passengers were sensitised by Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTE) regarding the ban on plastics inside Railway Station premises and trains.

As part of the drive, cloth bags were distributed to passengers who were carrying plastic bags at Shivamogga Town and Sagar Jambagaru Stations. 

After the two-month campaign, Railways will impose fine on those violating the Government orders and carrying banned plastic and thermacol items inside station premises and trains. So travelling public are requested not to bring single use plastic items including plastic carry bags to Railway Stations during journeys and join hands with Railways to save the environment by desisting the use of plastic.