Donate plants for a good cause — that will be the new mantra of Tatanagar railway station.

In its latest initiative, the only A1-category station under South Eastern Railway's Chakradharpur division has decided to seek participation of local residents in maintaining greenery in and around its premises.

“Next week we will launch a campaign on plant donations,” said Manish Pathak, senior divisional commercial manager of Chakradharpur division, who is also the official spokesperson. “We will request individuals and organisations to donate plants in their names. We will take the responsibility of proper grooming of the donated plants.”

The senior railway official said that the plants they will get as donation would help both in beautification as well as making the station environment friendly.

“It will serve both purposes. It will also help in abiding by the guidelines of National Green Tribunal,” he explained.

Elaborating on the project, Pathak said that they have decided to convene a meeting next week. The meeting will be attended by common people, representatives of various organisations and rail users.

“We will seek their suggestions in making this latest initiative a success. At our end we will constitute a dedicated team of railway men who will take care of the donated plants which apart from the platforms will also adore the facade and portico area of the railway station,” Pathak said.

He also revealed about another beautification project.

“As a part of generating non-fare revenue, we have roped in a private agency (M/s Mohan Enterprise) for developing a hanging garden near the entrance of the railway station. Apart from developing a hanging garden the agency would also generate revenue through small advertisements,” he added.

Frequent travellers welcomed the new railway initiative.

“Lot of changes have taken place at the railway station of late. The plant donation initiative is unique. It will add to the beauty of the railway station,” said Sangeeta Dubey, an information technology professional and a frequent traveller.

Arun Tiwari, general secretary of Chhotanagpur Passengers Association, said: “This is a new initiative of Chakradharpur division which other stations should also follow. The railways has always been concerned with operations and passenger safety. Now, there has been a change in mindset and the need to create a healthy environment as well as a good ambience for train passengers is being given much thrust.”