ECoR launches ‘plastic-free station premises’ drive ahead of World Environment Day 2025

Bhubaneswar: In view of World Environment Day 2025, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a comprehensive awareness and action campaign from 22nd May to 5th June, focusing on this year’s global theme—“Ending Plastic Pollution”.

This initiative aims to foster a Plastic-Free Environment across Railway Stations, Station Premises and in Trains, underlining Indian Railways’ commitment to environmental sustainability and pollution control.

The campaign resonates strongly with the Government of India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), promoting sustainable living practices and reducing dependence on single-use plastic. ECoR’s efforts extend across its Khurda Road, Waltair, and Sambalpur Divisions, involving staff, officers, their families and passengers in a people-driven movement for cleaner railway ecosystems.

ECoR General Manager, Parmeshwar Funkwal, in a heartfelt appeal to all railway employees, emphasized the need for eco-conscious living and urged staff and their families to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. “Every individual has a role to play in protecting the environment. Let us collectively work towards a greener railway,” he said.

Key Highlights of the Campaign:

• Plastic-Free Station Premises: Awareness drives to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic waste, particularly single-use plastic, across platforms, trains and offices.

• Tree Plantation on 5th June: A large-scale green drive will be organized, where staff, officers and departmental heads will plant saplings at various railway premises to enhance green cover and promote biodiversity.

• Engagement of Children and Families: Eco-friendly activities involving children such as sapling plants and art from recycled materials, instilling environmental responsibility from a young age.

• Awareness Activities: Banners, placards, posters and slogans on the harmful effects of plastic waste and the benefits of green practices are being displayed across stations. Staff members are engaging with the public to drive the campaign.

• Competitions and Outreach: Essay writing, poster-making, nukkad nataks (street plays) and quizzes are being organized to sensitize people on the importance of environmental conservation.

• Nationwide Participation: The campaign aligns with national effort, engaging Central Ministries, State Governments, civil society and local institutions through clean-up drives, workshops and webinars.

Focus Areas of the Campaign:

• Raising awareness about the hazards of plastic pollution

• Promoting eco-friendly alternatives and sustainable materials

• Encouraging waste segregation, collection, disposal and recycling

• Advocating for a shift from awareness to individual and collective action