Railway officials and conservancy staff have transformed the Egmore railway station entrance into a cleaner space as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. On Thursday, stations across Chennai showcased a revitalized appearance as Southern Railway ramped up its cleanliness initiative under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
This year’s Swachhata Hi Seva, an annual program, commenced on August 1 and ran through to September 16, spanning two phases. A senior official from the Chennai division noted that during this period, conservancy workers undertook extensive cleaning operations across 160 railway stations in the division. Commuters expressed a desire for more frequent cleanliness drives, particularly focusing on the railway tracks.
In addition to regular cleaning, Southern Railway has outlined a myriad of conservation efforts, including tree sapling plantations, health camps for cleanliness workers and staff, awareness campaigns in railway colonies, and mass cleaning events at Central and Egmore stations. Noteworthy stations involved in these initiatives included Dr. MGR Chennai Central, Velachery, Tambaram, Mambalam, Avadi, and Tiruvallur.
The 45-day cleanliness campaign concluded on Gandhi Jayanti Day with a celebration at Central station, attended by senior railway officials, including P. Mahesh, Additional General Manager of Southern Railway, and Chennai Divisional Railway Manager Shailendra Singh. Remarkably, the campaign resulted in the removal of over 450 tonnes of garbage and the collection of 750 kilograms of plastic and other recyclable waste from various railway stations and offices.
However, not all feedback has been positive. S. Rajeshkumar, a commuter from Taramani, lamented about the unsightly conditions at the ground floor of the station, which he described as being littered with bird and animal droppings, creating an unpleasant atmosphere. He noted that a similar situation exists at Velachery railway station, highlighting ongoing challenges despite the recent cleanliness efforts.
As Southern Railway continues its commitment to cleanliness, officials emphasize the importance of community support and participation in keeping the stations clean. With ongoing initiatives and feedback from commuters, the push for a cleaner railway environment is expected to gain momentum.
The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign emphasizes not just cleanliness but also community involvement, aiming to foster a sense of responsibility among commuters. By addressing the concerns raised by the public and maintaining a consistent effort towards cleanliness, Southern Railway aims to enhance the overall experience for travelers in Chennai.
In conclusion, while the recent cleanliness efforts have made noticeable improvements across the city’s railway stations, continued vigilance and community engagement will be essential to sustain a clean environment.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/railways-must-hold-monthly-clean-up-drives-commuters/article70118169.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2025-10-03 06:14:00
