Bhagalpur: Eastern Railway (ER) has launched a week-long special drive to ensure the supply of safe and potable drinking water across railway stations, offices, workshops and colonies under its jurisdiction.As part of the initiative, water tanks and water sources are being cleaned and sanitised at railway premises, including major stations under the Malda division such as Bhagalpur, Jamalpur and Sahibganj.Eastern Railway chief public relations officer Shibram Majhi said a total of 7,358 water tanks, including overhead, underground and PVC tanks, along with pipelines and water taps, have been cleaned across the railway network.Of the total, 1,153 tanks were cleaned in Malda division, 2,465 in Asansol division, 2,187 in Howrah division and 1,553 in Sealdah division, he said.Majhi said the cleaning drive is being supplemented by systematic testing of water samples collected from various drinking water supply points. The tests, including monitoring of pH levels, are aimed at assessing water quality and evaluating the effectiveness of the cleaning exercise.He said railway authorities have directed continuous pre- and post-cleaning testing of water samples to ensure that water supplied on railway premises meets prescribed quality standards.The initiative is intended to prevent water-borne diseases through regular maintenance of water storage and supply infrastructure, while safeguarding the health of passengers, railway staff and their families, he added.
