It was learnt that Comptroller and Auditor (CAG) in its audit report, which will be laid out during the winter session of the parliament in November, has slammed the Railways for mismanaging several initiatives on mandatory environment management to prevent pollution at workshops, sheds, and production units across the country.
The auditors have pointed out that an integrated energy policy to promote energy-efficient vehicles and freight movement by Railways through scheduled freight trains to save energy and money was not followed in many areas. ‘Lack of policy and in its monitoring on energy efficiency led to an excess expenditure of nearly Rs 250 crore on fuel in recent years,’ sources said. On an average, every year more than Rs 9,000 crore is spent by the Indian Railways on diesel alone.
Realising the huge expenditure being made on account of fuel price, the Railway Board had fixed targets for energy consumption by adopting various measures but very few steps were actually taken in that direction, the CAG observed. Apart from fuel, those locomotives, which run on electricity have also caused a huge loss (nearly Rs 100 crore in last five years) by not adhering to guidelines on energy saving.
The audit agency has expressed major concern over the handling and transportation of toxic gases, vapours, fertilisers, cement, petroleum, coal and iron ore. CAG inspection revealed that due to worn out tankers incidents of spill over and theft has led to a loss of nearly Rs 150 crore in recent years.
Repeated directions to replace the old tankers has not been implemented. Last year the ministry had taken initiative in this regard but due to delay in the process it led to escalation of the total project cost.
As per Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, all sidings — place where the goods are temporarily stored, loaded and unloaded — and railway good sheds require Consent for Operation (CFO) from the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).
However, inspection at nearly 40 sidings over 16 zones revealed that CFO was obtained only for 60 per cent sidings. In 13 such sidings the railways has given an excuse of absence of specific instructions from the Railway Board and Pollution Control Boards. Despite, failing to meet the
mandatory rule, no action was taken against erring officials.
In some sector, records over cleaning and maintenance processes of railway coaches and its property has not been maintained. There are observations that hefty amount of money allocated over the years in some sector for maintenance does not have any record. What could be worst when it came to noticed that nearly 5,000 metric ton of human excreta and urine is generated everyday by travelling passengers that directly goes onto the rail tracks polluting the areas through which the trains passes.
Also, as per the Indian Railways Bridge Manual — rivers and road under bridges should be covered by suitable and approved means to prevent droppings, falling from passing trains on water bodies or roads. However, nearly 60 per cent of steel girder bridges out of nearly 6,000 were found to be open.
The auditors have pointed out that an integrated energy policy to promote energy-efficient vehicles and freight movement by Railways through scheduled freight trains to save energy and money was not followed in many areas. ‘Lack of policy and in its monitoring on energy efficiency led to an excess expenditure of nearly Rs 250 crore on fuel in recent years,’ sources said. On an average, every year more than Rs 9,000 crore is spent by the Indian Railways on diesel alone.
Realising the huge expenditure being made on account of fuel price, the Railway Board had fixed targets for energy consumption by adopting various measures but very few steps were actually taken in that direction, the CAG observed. Apart from fuel, those locomotives, which run on electricity have also caused a huge loss (nearly Rs 100 crore in last five years) by not adhering to guidelines on energy saving.
The audit agency has expressed major concern over the handling and transportation of toxic gases, vapours, fertilisers, cement, petroleum, coal and iron ore. CAG inspection revealed that due to worn out tankers incidents of spill over and theft has led to a loss of nearly Rs 150 crore in recent years.
Repeated directions to replace the old tankers has not been implemented. Last year the ministry had taken initiative in this regard but due to delay in the process it led to escalation of the total project cost.
As per Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, all sidings — place where the goods are temporarily stored, loaded and unloaded — and railway good sheds require Consent for Operation (CFO) from the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).
However, inspection at nearly 40 sidings over 16 zones revealed that CFO was obtained only for 60 per cent sidings. In 13 such sidings the railways has given an excuse of absence of specific instructions from the Railway Board and Pollution Control Boards. Despite, failing to meet the
mandatory rule, no action was taken against erring officials.
In some sector, records over cleaning and maintenance processes of railway coaches and its property has not been maintained. There are observations that hefty amount of money allocated over the years in some sector for maintenance does not have any record. What could be worst when it came to noticed that nearly 5,000 metric ton of human excreta and urine is generated everyday by travelling passengers that directly goes onto the rail tracks polluting the areas through which the trains passes.
Also, as per the Indian Railways Bridge Manual — rivers and road under bridges should be covered by suitable and approved means to prevent droppings, falling from passing trains on water bodies or roads. However, nearly 60 per cent of steel girder bridges out of nearly 6,000 were found to be open.