Bio-toilets in coaches: Rly division to start awareness campaign

With the railways already in the process of installing bio-toilets in most of its rail coaches as part of its initiative to promote the Swachh Rail, Swacch Bharat Mission programme, the Ferozepur division will soon start an awareness campaign to promote the same.

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu had promised to build 17,000 bio-toilets on trains in his rail budget this year.

Divisional railway manager Anuj Parkash said though biotoilets have been installed in some rail coaches, people in the region are not familiar with the concept. He said many passengers end up choking bio-toilets with plastic and wrappers.

Prakash said they have decided to distribute pamphlets and also make announcements regarding proper use of biotoilets at various stations in the division. The DRM said they have already launched an awareness campaign at the Jammu railway station while the same will start in Jalandhar from next week.

The promotional campaign in the initial phase will start at some of the major stations under the Ferozepur division.

Ramneek Singh, senior division mechanical engineer (DME) who is looking after the awareness campaign in the division, said they will inform the passengers about the dos and don’ts while using bio-toilets through a camp.

He said that video clippings on these toilets will be displayed at the platforms and posters will be put up in coaches.

The division has already fitted around 600 bio-toilets in the many coaches. Human waste is dropped on railway tracks which are cleaned manually. It makes labourers vulnerable to various health complications.

Proposal to impose fine

Railway officials said they are also proposing a fine of Rs 100 on those who are found littering in bio-toilets and coaches.