‘Follow waste disposal norms at Howrah, Sealdah’

KOLKATA: Justice B Amit Stalekar and expert member Saibal Dasgupta of eastern bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) asked the railways to follow environmental laws while disposing of waste and treating effluent at Howrah and Sealdah stations.
NGT also asked the railways to finish the construction of complete the effluent treatment plants (ETPs) in a time-bound manner.
The bench observed that effluent treatment plants (ETPs) at the Tikiapara Coaching Complex & Jheel Siding Coaching Complex and Shorting Yard Coaching Complex are not fully operational.
The railways, in its affidavit, stated that the annual maintenance and operational contract worth Rs 65.24 lakh for 3 years is under finalization. NGT directed the railways to submit its time schedule along with a plan of action, within which the contract will be finalized by September 9, the next date of listing.
The railways in its affidavit said that the track is being cleaned regularly with an engagement of contractor for the job at Rs 14.95 lakh.