To maintain clean railway premises, the environment and health management wing of the Waltair Division initiated an extensive cleanliness drive throughout the division. Under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Saurabh Prasad and in collaboration with various NGOs, this initiative promoted the theme ‘Swachch Parisar-Swachch Samwad’. NGOs such as the Duvvada Railway Users Association, Manava Vikasa Vedika, Spandana Cheyuta Foundation, Manavatha Seva Samstha, Lions Club from various regions, Youth Hostels Association of India, Ukkunagaram Satya Sai Seva Samiti, and GVMC actively participated in the effort.
At Duvvada railway station, the focus was on improving cleanliness in the station, nearby colonies, trains, work sites, platform areas, station approaches, and yards, with a particular emphasis on collecting plastic waste. Similar cleanliness drives were also conducted at stations across the division, including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam Road, Naupada, Rayagada, Koraput, Jagdalpur, and Kirandul.
To promote effective waste management, sufficient dustbins have been installed at stations and railway colonies to encourage proper garbage segregation. On this initiative, DRM Saurabh Prasad remarked, “We are dedicated to ensuring a clean environment for our rail customers. It is the responsibility of every passenger, rail user, and member of the public to help uphold hygiene standards at our premises. We are implementing penalties for those who violate cleanliness guidelines, including individuals bringing plastic bags onto railway property.
In a bid to promote cleanliness and encourage greater participation, volunteers from the Ukkunagaram Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi took part in a ‘shram daan’ at Duvvada railway station. Approximately 35 sevadal volunteers joined the effort, clearing litter from Platform No. 1. Additionally, the youth of the organization tackled weeds and trimmed trees and plants in the station area. The railway staff commended the volunteers for their selfless service to the community.
