SCR saves Rs 12cr every year

The SCR has saved Rs 12 crore every year through its water conservation techniques, especially by rejuvenating the 17 open wells, most of them from the Nizam period. The water is used in railway quarters and campuses, training centres and stations. The major saving of Rs 4 crore has come from the Hyderabad division. One of the popular wells is the  Salar jung heritage open well. This well was earlier used for swimming, sports, recreation and irrigation. Initially, SCR was using the well to draw water for its steam engines.

When the steam engines were phased out, the well fell into disuse. It was desilted and revived in 2016, and contributes the major share of 3 to 4 lakh litres of water per day for the Hyderabad division.Mr Arun Kumar Jain, divisional regional manager, said, “We are taking all possible steps to conserve and harvest water. After rejuvenating four wells, we have eight rain harvesting pits now. We plan to make make another 80 pits.” 

Mr M. Umashankar Kumar, chief spokesperson, said the railway was saving on water bills and becoming less dependent on the state government.A railway official stated that there was an increase of water price from Rs 81 per kilolitre in 2013 to Rs 161 now.