Executive Summary.pdf

Waste management in Indian Railways involves collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of waste materials, with main sources including core activities like passenger and freight movement, and non-core activities like repair and maintenance. The audit report covers waste management at stations, coaching depots, and hospitals, and finds several issues, including lack of separate authority and fund allocation for waste management, non-compliance with National Green Tribunal directives, and inadequate infrastructure for managing waste. Key findings include:

No separate authority or fund allocation for waste management
Non-compliance with NGT directives, including lack of Consent to Establish from State Pollution Control Boards
Inadequate implementation of verifiable indicators for waste management
Improper handling and disposal of waste, including bio-medical waste
Lack of infrastructure for managing plastic and solid waste
Non-compliance with Hazardous Waste Management Rules
* Inadequate monitoring mechanisms for waste management

The report recommends that Indian Railways proactively ensure formation of Environment & Housekeeping Management wings, define clear roles and responsibilities, and allocate funds exclusively for waste management. It also recommends ensuring provision of required infrastructure, initiating measures to sensitise the workforce, and developing a robust monitoring mechanism to oversee compliance with waste management rules.