Kolkata: Single-use plastic materials will be banned inside the premises of Sealdah station from October 2. "Today (Saturday), we conducted different programmes spreading awareness about the harmful effects of plastics. I want to give a message that single-use plastics (disposable plastics) should be discontinued," said P C Sharma, general manager of Eastern Railway (ER). A massive drive to stop use of plastics was organised by ERs Sealdah division as part of the Swachhta Hi Seva Pakhwada programme on Tuesday. A kiosk spreading awareness about the harmful effects of plastics was also installed inside the Sealdah station premises. The Ministry of Railways is observing Swachhta Hi Seva Pakhwada across its entire network from September 15 to October 2, 2019 to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation. Detailed guidelines for the Pakhwada were formulated and circulated among each unit of Indian Railways. Sharma participated in the Shramadaan for collection of plastic waste at Sealdah station. ER officials were also present on the occasion. Shramadaan refers to a voluntary contribution involving physical effort. It is also a way to help and change the environment for the better. All railway vendors were instructed to avoid use of plastic carry-bags. Railway employees were also advised to reduce, reuse and refuse plastic products and to use inexpensive reusable bags to reduce plastic footprint. After October 2, people will be fined if found using single-use plastics inside the station premises.

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