THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
With South Western Railway (SWR) handling a significant flow of passengers travelling between Karnataka, Goa and other areas, the railway zone has stepped up its focus on ensuring safe and potable drinking water at stations and railway colonies across its network.
According to SWR authorities regular monitoring, chlorination and laboratory testing are being carried out to maintain prescribed water quality standards and protect passengers and railway staff. The measures assume particular significance for passengers travelling on all SWR trains, especially during periods of high passenger movement.
“Passengers should have confidence that drinking water facilities across our railway network are being monitored regularly. We have put in place a rigorous system of testing, chlorination and immediate corrective action to ensure that water supplied at railway premises remains safe for consumption,” said Dr Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer, SWR, Hubballi.
According to SWR, Health Inspectors conduct daily checks of residual chlorine levels at stations and colonies, while the Engineering Department carries out systematic chlorination of water-supply installations. Water samples are also subjected to bacteriological and chemical examinations at prescribed intervals.
The latest zone-wide report, covering September 23 to 29, recorded 998 residual chlorine samples, all of which were found fit. Of the 67 bacteriological samples collected, 63 were found fit and four results are awaited. Of 16 chemical samples, 15 were found fit while result for some is awaited.
In Hubballi Division, all 364 residual chlorine, 50 bacteriological and 11 chemical samples tested were found fit. Bengaluru Division recorded 403 fit residual chlorine samples and 12 fit bacteriological samples, while one of two chemical results is awaited.
Mysuru Division reported 231 fit residual chlorine samples and three fit chemical samples. Of five bacteriological samples, one was fit and four results are awaited.
SWR said any unsatisfactory report would trigger immediate cleaning, re-chlorination and system rectification, followed by repeat testing until the water is certified fit.
