The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has found E. coli in water samples collected from four Central Railway stations, including Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Kalyan, Bhiwandi Road and Lonavala. It found gaps in drinking water quality monitoring at railway stations, with 28 stations under Central Railway found to be without the equipment required to test water.
The CAG noted that as per railway rules, water supply systems should be tested at least twice a year. But the audit found that 436 stations across 15 railway zones did not have the required testing equipment. 28 of these were under Central Railway.
No testing kits means railway authorities can not carry out the prescribed checks. The CAG audit also found wider gaps in basic passenger facilities. Out of 512 railway stations examined across the country, 458 were found to be lacking one or more amenities required under the prescribed standards.
The deficiencies included drinking water facilities, waiting areas, seating arrangements, platform shelters and toilets. The audit also identified gaps involving footover bridges, fans, dustbins and announcement systems.
The CAG has recommended that the railways make sure water supply system testing is done. It has also called for drinking water to be examined properly in line with the prescribed procedures.
Following the CAG findings on drinking water quality, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board and senior officials, carried out a day-long assessment of the situation.
As per sources, the Railways will now replace water tanks and strengthen routine water quality testing, cleaning and maintenance. It will also introduce a "tank to tap" filtration and monitoring system at about 20,000 locations. The Railway Board will monitor the implementation and track further water quality across the railway network.
Share
Tweet
