On the directions of Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of North Eastern Railway (Varanasi Division) Vineet Kumar Srivastava and Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer (EnHM) Apoorva Swarnkar, ‘Clean Competition Day’ was observed here on Friday under the ongoing ‘Cleanliness Fortnight’ being run from September 16 to October 2. During this period, a campaign was launched to keep the station premises, trains, tracks, railway offices and colonies clean and a thorough inspection was conducted under the supervision of officers nominated by the DRM. Under the ‘Clean Competition’, an effort was made to create a sense of healthy competition for cleanliness. Appreciation letters were given to those units which were found clean regularly throughout the year. To stimulate the spirit of healthy competition, essay competitions on the topics of ‘Cleanliness Fortnight’, ‘Save Water and Save Life’ etc were organised at DRM office in Varanasi and other major offices, units and clubs of the Varanasi division of NER. A street play on cleanliness was also staged at Varanasi City station.  Earlier, ‘Clean Toilets and Environment Day’ was observed under the ongoing ‘Cleanliness Fortnight. During the day the officers nominated by the DRM inspected the cleanliness of public toilets located in the station premises of Prayagraj Rambagh, Banaras, Varanasi City, Ghazipur City, Ballia, Azamgarh, Belthara Road, Siwan, Chhapra, Bhatni and Salempur stations of Varanasi division (NER).

During the day intensive cleaning of toilets/ urinals also available in the surrounding areas of stations, drainage system and completion of necessary repair work were also inspected by the officers apart from ensuring uninterrupted supply of water and drainage in waiting rooms, offices, training centres and railway residential colonies of these stations. Besides, pamphlets were distributed among passengers on the harm caused by filth in stations and railway premises and tree plantation work was carried out at the stations to keep the environment pure. With a view to promote common public to become self-motivated and aware of cleanliness, they were also made aware through audio/video messages through screens installed at stations and public address systems.