Railway to use treated water of STPs for non-potable purposes

Allahabad: In another step towards conservation of water and show its commitment for preservation of ecology, the railway administration has decided to use non-potable water released after treatment from sewage treatment plants (STPs) for non-potable purposes of Railways. This water will be used for washing of trains in the coaching yard and cleaning of toilets at railway stations.Special pipelines will be laid from STP to the railway stations.
In this connection, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between ministry of railways and ministry of water resources, river development & Ganga rejuvenation on December 3 to use non-potable water released after treatment from STPs and effluent treatment plants (ETPs) located near Ganga and Yamuna for non-potable purposes of railways.
Considerable amount of water is used for washing of coaches and engines. This step will go a long way in preserving water.
According to the agreement, the treated water released from STP/ETPs will be used for various non-potable purposes. The treated water will be provided for non-potable use at establishments like railway stations falling in the area where Ganga and Yamuna rivers flow.
The ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation will provide pipelines, pumping arrangements etc up to the railway stations at its own cost. The ministry will also bear the initial cost and recurring maintenance cost for such pipelines and pumps.
Railway will pay for the water used by them at mutually decided rate between the two ministries.