Question : Cow Dung in Bio-Plants

(a) whether the Railway Board has given emphasis on utilising cow dung to install bio-plants in the toilets of the trains;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the case of purchasing bacteria in place of cow dung by West Central Railway, Jabalpur for the bio-plants of the trains has come to light;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Railways is also considering to make all the headquarters aware of the technology to remove bacteria from cow dung and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) The cow dung is used only during multiplication of bacteria in the bacteria generation facility. Anaerobic Bacteria generated under controlled condition is used in bio- toilets of the coaches.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) and (d) Bacteria is being purchased for initial charging of Bio-toilets, but not in place of cow dung. West Central Railway is getting bacteria from Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior and from Moti Bagh Workshop of South East Central Railway, Nagpur for use in bio-toilets fitted in coaches.

(e) No, Madam.
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