Railways are widely referred to as India’s lifeline as every mile of the lifeline where millions of daily journeys pass through the country, transporting millions of passengers. But what if the very system intended to assist the public is adding to pollution and squalor? An alarming event has become clear as a cleaner was observed hurling garbage directly onto railway tracks from a moving train. The carelessness has led to social indignation, and questioning over the application of principle, duty, and law.
Passengers were shown a railway cleaner dumping bags of garbage on the tracks, without any thought, while traffic was in motion on the train. The garbage was dumped on the street instead of getting picked up and thrown away properly, producing a filthy mess. Such actions not only defile the environment but also contradict the government’s Swachh Bharat (Clean India) agenda too.
Unfortunately, the sight of garbage littering railway lines is not uncommon. But the sight of it conducted by those charged with cleanliness tasks has been appalling for many.
Trains and trains should be waste disposal according to Railway Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Contractors are supposed to use only assigned bins, and take garbage to appropriate dumping or recycling facilities. Do not throw waste onto tracks – it is considered a health hazard, attracts pests and reflects badly to Indian Railways.
Contractors are bound by agreements that spell out these obligations in detail. Violations can result in fines, blacklisting or termination of contracts.
The greater issue is why contractors like that are not terminated as soon as someone violates them. Unobserved SOPs by railway employees or outsourced workforces speaks adversely to supervision and enforcement. Clean India, after all, cannot be a slogan that demands strong accountability.
It is up to it being made sure that every cleaner, contractor and railway employee is aware of the significant steps that need to be taken in waste disposal and management. Surprise inspections, fines and avenues for the public to report abuse can limit negligence.
The garbage being thrown onto railway tracks is not the fault only of one cleaner; it shows a systemic issue. Railways must impose strict rules, get rid of negligent contractors and model discipline themselves. Passengers must play a role in reporting violations. Clean India can be achieved only when responsibility is taken seriously, and common sense is applied in our daily activities.
