New Delhi: Centre has directed MCD to prepare a comprehensive action plan within 15-20 days to clean up and manage legacy waste that has accumulated along 18.9km of railway stretches at 125 locations in Delhi.Delhi has a total railway track length of 365.2km.At a meeting chaired by the Union home secretary last week, the Railway Board chairperson flagged the accumulation of solid waste along railway tracks and adjoining areas, including unauthorised encroachments and colonies, which poses environmental hazards, health risks and operational safety threats. He called for a mechanism to prevent garbage from piling up on railway land.The meeting was convened to review Delhi’s cleanliness scenario under Special Campaign 6.0, following an earlier review of the campaign on Oct 19. DDA and NDMC officials were also present at the meeting.“The Union home secretary directed MCD to prepare a practical plan for daily door-to-door waste collection and its authorised disposal. The civic body was also asked to conduct a location-wise survey to assess daily waste generation and identify collection gaps,” stated the minutes of the meeting.Under the action plan, MCD, in coordination with the UT division and Railway Board, will map adjoining colonies and identify the sources contributing to waste dumping along railway tracks. “The exercise will also estimate the total waste generated from these areas and establish strict enforcement measures to prevent unauthorised dumping,” stated the minutes.Emphasis was laid on implementing door-to-door waste collection in all areas adjoining railway tracks, including unauthorised habitations, to ensure garbage does not accumulate on railway land. MCD and other agencies were also asked to launch an information, education and communication campaign to create public awareness and collaborate with local communities and NGOs.While MCD is carrying out the sanitation drives along the railways, it decided in March to engage a dedicated agency for regular waste removal for year-round cleanliness. It also planned to create garbage bins and collection points on railway land in consultation with residents, councillors and railway authorities.Indian Railways operates about 123km of railway tracks in the NCT of Delhi, with many stretches passing alongside slums and JJ colonies.
