Indian Railways Launches Special Campaign to Clean and Disinfect Water Infrastructure and Ensure Drinking Water Safety
Distilled Policy Brief
- Indian Railways has launched a special campaign to clean and disinfect water tanks and filters across stations, as part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen drinking water quality management.
- The campaign includes emptying, cleaning and disinfecting all water tanks; repairing or replacing damaged tanks, pipelines and filters; and ensuring no cross‑connection between potable and non‑potable water systems.
- Regular water quality testing will be carried out at source, treatment and consumption points, with monitoring of residual chlorine and immediate re‑chlorination if needed, to maintain safety standards.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
The initiative is a policy measure under the Indian Railways’ comprehensive drinking water quality management plan, involving inspections, cleaning, disinfection and monitoring of water infrastructure.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Discuss the design, implementation, and impact of the campaign on public health and infrastructure, and evaluate its effectiveness in ensuring safe drinking water for passengers and staff.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Which of the following measures is NOT mentioned in the Indian Railways' special campaign to ensure safe drinking water at stations?
- [A] Repair or replacement of damaged water tanks, pipelines and filters
- [B] Installation of solar‑powered water heating systems at stations
- [C] Monitoring residual chlorine levels and immediate re‑chlorination if required
- [D] Protection of vent and overflow points from birds, animals and algae
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
The campaign details include repairing tanks/pipelines, chlorine monitoring with re‑chlorination, and protecting vent/overflow points, all of which are stated in the briefing. Installation of solar‑powered water heating systems is not mentioned.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.