Lok Sabha Question No. 348 (STARRED), answered on 2015-12-23
Subject: Improvement in Sanitation
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: PREM DAS RAI, SANJAY JAISWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 348 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.12.2015

## IMPROVEMENT IN SANITATION

- *348.  SHRI PREM DAS RAI: DR. SANJAY JAISWAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the land on either side of  the  railway  tracks especially in towns and cities is  being used for open defecation and dumping of refuse and if so, the reaction of the Government thereon;
- (b) whether steps are being taken by the railway authorities under the  Swachh  Bharat  Abhiyan  to  tackle  the  problem  and  if  so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether  the  Railways  has  drawn  up  any  programme  to undertake  landscaping  along  the  railway  tracks  so  as  to prevent  open  defecation  and  squatting  and  if  so,  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU)

- (a) to (c)  A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  348  BY  SHRI  PREM  DAS  RAI  AND DR.  SANJAY JAISWAL  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON 23.12.2015 REGARDING IMPROVEMENT IN SANITATION

(a) Yes, Madam. The problem of open defecation and dumping of refuse  exists  on  tracks  outside  station  area  where  human settlements are near to track, especially at approaches to major towns and cities. Rag picking from track in the block sections outside station area at approaches to major town and cities is being done from time to time.

(b) Under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Special Cleanliness Campaign was launched on Indian Railways w.e.f 2nd Oct, 2014. Regular  events  on  cleanliness  are  planned  and  organised  to improve and maintain cleanliness at Railway premises including Railway stations  and  tracks.  Weekly  special  intensive  cleaning drives at Railway stations in rotation have also been undertaken by Zonal Railways.

On  completion  of  one  year  of  Swachh  Bharat  Mission, cleanliness drives have been launched by Indian Railways from 25th Sept, 2015. This included 'Sardar Patel United Clean India Drive' focused on cleanliness at Railway stations and trains from 11th  October,  2015.  Campaigns  for  increasing  the  awareness and  participation  from  all  sections  viz.  Railway  staff,  Railway users/public as well as Charitable Institutions/Social Organisations, were organised at many major stations. Enforcement of Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness  at  railway  premises)  Rules,  2012  has  also  been intensified. (c) In pursuance of Railways commitment towards environmental improvement through afforestation and also with a view to safeguard Railway land against unauthorised occupation and to check defecation at some locations, Railways undertake  tree  plantation  in  its  vacant  land  on  a  programmed basis in a manner so as to not affect the visibility of track and safe operation of trains. Vacant Railway land is generally in the form of thin strips along the track.

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