NGT asks Rlys to slap Rs 5,000 fine for littering on tracks

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday directed the Railways to “strictly” impose a fine of Rs 5,000 on those found littering or defecating on rail tracks. The Green Tribunal has also called for effective and immediate action against such offenders.

“There are jhuggies (shanties) and even permanent buildings adjacent to railway tracks. Why do you permit them to throw dirt on the tracks? Why can’t you stop even (people from) a single building to throw waste on the tracks?” the Green Tribunal questioned.

“There are many buildings from New Delhi station to Subzi Mandi station, whose residents throw garbage daily. Why don’t you stop them? If you strictly impose a penalty of Rs 5,000 on them, they won’t dare to do it again,” a Bench, headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, said.

The tribunal has also directed the Railways to produce a list of offenders, who have been fined till date for littering on tracks.

Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, appearing for the Railways, assured Bhe bench that cleaning work on tracks was a “continuous” one and the PSU concerned was taking all action against the violators.

During the hearing, the tribunal also slammed the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) for delay in relocation of slum clusters near the railway tracks.

The counsel appearing for DUSIB told the Bench that the work of survey of jhuggis was underway and the process of identification of slums, which are to be shifted, would commence shortly.

On the last date of hearing, the Bench had directed the Railways to ensure that all tracks in the national Capital were “absolutely clean”.

The green panel had earlier slammed the Railways over open defecation and littering on tracks and directed the authorities concerned to expeditiously decide on the relocation of slum clusters near the tracks.

 The NGT had in December last year imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the Railways for failing to keep the tracks and platforms at the New Delhi station clean, after noting “definite negligence” and “intentional lack of will” on the part of all authorities.

The tribunal’s direction had come on a plea filed by lawyers Saloni Singh and Arush Pathania, alleging that railway authorities had failed to perform their statutory duties and were indirectly responsible for pollution at railway properties, particularly tracks.

To keep the tracks clean, the Railways have advanced track-cleaning machine, which is around 10 times more powerful than a normal blower of a vacuum cleaner. 

These machines clean tracks inclusive of an area of 600 mm, alongside the track and with an extendable hose provided, the machine can clean up to 6 metres. These machines have a capacity to store 6 MT waste and it machine can be tilted at the earmarked place to empty the waste.