Delhi Metro mulling ban on single-use plastic on its premises

Delhi Metro is considering a ban on the use of single-use plastic on its premises and guidelines on the matter are expected to be issued soon, officials said on Saturday. Civic bodies and various institutions have initiated campaigns to shun single-use plastic in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.

"The issue regarding use/ban of plastic on Delhi Metro premises is being reviewed by the management from the perspective of all relevant guidelines, bylaws, statutory requirements on the subject. "Taking into consideration all these aspects, the DMRC will be framing and issuing necessary guidelines for compliance by all its stakeholders in the next few days," Executive Director of Corporate Communications, DMRC Anuj Dayal said.

Some of the vendors at stations have already voluntarily started keeping paper bags to hand out to customers after the purchase of any item. He also interacted with reporters on this subject during a preview of the soon-to-open Grey Line that will connect Dwarka to the urban village of Najafgarh through a 4.2-km corridor.

After the opening of this corridor, expected early next week, the span of the metro will reach 377 km with 274 stations, including 28 interchange facilities. Delhi Metro has taken several green measures in the past, from the use of solar power for ancillary usage at stations to making eco-friendly buildings.