In a bid to make Kolkata metro stations cleaner, the Kolkata Metro authorities have launched special initiatives and are imposing fines to address the issue of commuters littering station premises, particularly noticeable in the newly opened section from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade.
Despite the Metro’s efforts to provide fast, affordable transportation and reduce pollution, some metro passengers have been found littering the premises with plastic bottles, betel juice, and gutkha.
In a statement, the Metro Railway expressed concern, stating, “Though the Metro is constantly thriving for providing fast, smooth and cheapest mode of transport to commuters, these commuters have been constantly making the premises untidy and filthy by throwing plastic bottles, spitting betel juices and gutkha specially in the newly inaugurated stretch of Green Line from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade.”
Special cleanliness drives on Green, Blue lines
To combat this issue, special drives are being conducted on both the Green (Esplanade-Howrah Maidan and Sealdah-Sector Five) and Blue lines (Dakshineswar-New Garia and New Garia-Ruby) to deter such activities firmly.
Anti-littering squads have been established to levy fines of Rs 500 on offenders, while awareness campaigns are being conducted through announcements, posters, counseling, and social media platforms.
“Special awareness videos are also being played on all platform TVs at different Metro stations. Litter bins have been put up at different stations along with bottle crusher machines. Metro Railway’s official social media handles are being used to spread the awareness messages,” spokesperson Kausik Mitra said.
Furthermore, litter bins and bottle crusher machines have been installed at several metro stations to encourage passengers for responsible disposal.
Since the launch of the underwater Metro on March 15, instances of littering and defacing station interiors have prompted regular cleanliness drives by Metro officials.