Along with the entire Indian Railways, the eighth ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’ (Cleanliness Fortnight) is being run on the theme of ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ from September 16 to October 2 in different stations of Varanasi Division of North Eastern Railway (NER). In the same sequence, ‘Clean Food Day’ was observed on Sunday and during the day, a thorough inspection of the cleanliness of the catering facilities available at the food stalls of the stations and in the pantry cars of the trains was carried out. On the instructions of Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vineet Kumar Srivastava, the nominated officers checked food stalls, mobile vendors and pantry cars of trains at different stations of Varanasi Division of NER. Under the leadership of Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer (EnHM) Apoorva Swarnkar, food stalls were inspected at Prayagraj Rambagh station along with Shramdaan, tree plantation and public awareness. A cleanliness rally was also taken out. The quality of food and beverages available at Jan Aahar units, canteens, food stalls, food plazas and local vendors was also checked at Banaras, Varanasi City, Ballia, Ghazipur City, Azamgarh, Mau, Bhatni, Siwan and Chhapra stations. During the day, pamphlets were distributed among the passengers on the harm caused by filth in stations and railway premises. With a view to promote self-motivation and awareness nearby the general public was made aware through audio/video messages at the stations.
Earlier, ‘Clean Premises (Railway Accommodation and Colonies) Day’ was observed in which all the wards and premises of Railway hospitals and health units were cleaned under the guidance of designated officers. High level cleanliness was ensured and plaster and electrical fittings of Railway colonies, rest houses, retiring rooms, waiting rooms and dormitories were also checked. During the day the cleanliness campaign was launched in Varanasi Divisional Officers’ Residential Colony, Vasundhara Railway Colony, Divisional Hospital premises apart from Varanasi City, Ghazipur City, Banaras, Prayagraj Rambagh, Ballia, Azamgarh, Mau, Belthara Road, Deoria Sadar, Kaptanganj, Aunrihar, Bhatni, Chhapra Junction railway stations. The railway colonies of Chhapra Kacheri and Siwan stations were thoroughly made clean, trees planted for beautification and garbage disposed of from different places. The cleanliness campaign was also launched by the railway officers and employees in the coaching depots, diesel lobbies, divisional hospital, primary schools, goods depots, diesel lobbies, Ghazipur and Banaras training centres and circulating areas of small and big stations of all categories. With a view to spreading awareness about the responsibility of cleanliness, the general public was also made aware through cleanliness based films and jingles on the screens installed at the various stations.