The Ara junction in Bihar has received ISO:14001 certification for adopting effective environmental management systems to identify, manage, monitor and holistically control environment-related issues.

UK-based firm DK Business Services and Assessment issued the certificate to the Ara junction, primarily for the steps taken towards garbage and environment management and to check pollution.

“ISO:14001 certification has come as an encouragement for our work and has filled the railway employees with much enthusiasm. We will make efforts to work even better in the coming days so that the passengers visiting this junction or passing through cherish their visits,” Ara junction manager N.K. Rai told reporters.

Rai added that Ara has become the fourth station in the Danapur railway division to receive this particular certification. He also said that the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for railway stations were being followed.

During a survey, which preceded the ISO: 14001 certification, the junction premises were found to be neat and clean, and a “crusher” (crushing machine) for plastic bottles was present in a working condition on one of the platforms.

Installation of dustbins in adequate numbers, segregation of garbage, a rag picking system, tree plantation, better drainage facilities, stopping open defecation and urination on the station premises through public awareness campaigns, CCTV monitoring and the help of Railway Protection Force jawans aided in the certification efforts.

The junction is also considered a good one in terms of revenue and has been accorded the ‘A’ category status by the railways. It is now being developed under the centrally sponsored Amrut Yojana.