.jpg)
Maligaon, June 11 (MExN): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has transformed Lumding’s rain shadow challenges into sustainable development opportunities. Despite receiving minimal rainfall, this crucial railway hub, home to over 4,000 railway families and vital operations including train watering, platform maintenance, and DEMU rake operations has implemented innovative water conservation solutions.
Shri Samir Lohani, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Lumding inaugurated a state-of-the-art Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a treatment capacity of 90000 litres per day. The STP treats grey water generated from the colony approximately 200000 litres daily and recycles nearly 50% of it into non-potable, usable water.
“The treated water is being utilized efficiently at the Automatic Coach Washing Plant located at the DEMU Pit Line, thereby conserving precious filtered water. As a result, the saved filtered water is being reallocated for domestic usage in officer and staff colonies, significantly improving overall water availability,” said Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer, NFR in a press release.
“The project has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs1.12 crore, funded under the Environment and Housekeeping Management (EnHM) scheme, with operational costs covered for the first year. The long-term savings in water and associated benefits far outweigh the investment,” Sharma added.
To complement the effort, a solar power plant is being planned near the STP to ensure sustainable energy use. Additionally, rainwater harvesting and natural percolation measures are being implemented to recharge the local water table.
A mass tree plantation drive was also conducted under the leadership of the DRM, with participation from all officers and staff.
