This story is from September 11, 2019

Bihar: Railways takes steps for water conservation in Bhagalpur

Bihar: Railways takes steps for water conservation in Bhagalpur
Representative image
BHAGALPUR: The railways has taken an innovative step to recharge the groundwater table in Bhagalpur region under Malda division of Eastern Railways (ER).
A proposal has been mooted to develop ponds and reservoirs along railway tracks in Bhagalpur region under Malda division for replenishment of groundwater and generating employment through pisciculture.
“Altogether 50 water bodies (catchment pools) have already been created and works are underway on 50 others,” said the divisional railway manager (DRM) P K Mishra adding, “Apart from creating water bodies and groundwater recharge pits, we are constructing ponds for promoting pisciculture on railway lands.
We plan to lease out ponds to interested persons so that not only the railways can earn revenue, locals can get direct and indirect employment and earnings through fish farming.”
The Malda division also aims at safeguarding its land from encroachers and creating a natural barrier for stray cattle on the railway tracks by creating water reservoirs and ponds. The divisions also plans a massive tree plantation drive besides the railway land and install rainwater harvesting system at railway station buildings and premises including residential complex of staff quarters to meet to the challenges of depleting underground water level.
“We will sow 4,00,000 tree saplings on the railway land and also raise plant nurseries to increase the green cover on barren areas. The railways has vast land areas under its possession and the idea is not only to utilize it but also to serve the humanity,” the DRM said.
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