‘Kulhads’ to be back at 25 rly stations in north

LUDHIANA: The golden days of having your tea in traditional earthen ‘Kulhads’ (glasses) and having snacks in plates that potters make will be a reality, with the Union railways ministry banning single-use plastic at 400 railway stations across the country from October 2 (Wednesday).

Northern Railways chief commercial manager, Samir Kumar, has issued a notice that states that 25 stations from the divisions of Delhi, Ferozepur, Ambala, Moradabad and Lucknow have been nominated for the implementation of the use of earthen or terracotta products for serving tea or other items.

The stations approved are Jammu; Katra; Jalandhar City; Ludhiana; Pathankot; Ferozepur Cantonment and Amritsar of Ferozepur Division; Ambala Cantt; Kalka; Shimla; Una and Chandigarh of Ambala Division; New Delhi, old Delhi, Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar, Sarai Rohilla and Ghaziabad of Delhi Division; Dehradun, Moradabad and Hardwar of Moradabad Division; and Lucknow, Amethi, Sultanpur and Varanasi of Lucknow Division.

“You are requested to get in touch with the local offices of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to arrange Kulhad and other terracotta products at these stations,” the notice adds, seeking that a status report on the implementation of the order be sent to the office of the northern railways on October 3.

Ludhiana station director Tarun Kumar said, “To save environment, we are moving back to the roots. Vendors are being informed and we have asked them to check the availability of ‘Kulhad’ and terracotta products.” He added that a report would be sent to the higher authorities by October 3. Senior divisional commercial manager (Ferozepur division) Vivek Sharma said, “We will contact the local KVIC as they have the list of registered potters. We will communicate with them and will arrange products according to the requirement of the division.”