Rlys books 29 people for defecating on tracks

Special agencies have been hired to maintain cleanliness on stations’ premises and on trains

LUCKNOW: As part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Railways has launched a drive against people defecating on the tracks.

So far, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) NER has nabbed 29 people who were found defecating on the railway track between Daliganj and Badshahnagar railway stations.

Defecation on tracks is a common problem all over the country. Officials concerned said it was perhaps the first instance when the railways had initiated such a step.

“Our drive aims at keeping a check on open defecation on the railway tracks, and also to ensure the safety of the tracks,” said an RPF personnel.

The RPF started its patrolling a few days ago, after 300 pandrol clips were found missing from the track between Badshahnagar

and Daliganj crossing on December 4.

The incident was seen as a

plot to derail trains and the matter was passed on to the anti-terror squad (ATS) and the special task force (STF) for in-depth investigation.

IG (ATS) Asim Arun had called it an act of sabotage and had said that three teams were probing the matter.

It was then that the RPF intensified its patrolling and deputed its squad round-theclock to ensure safety of the tracks.

While patrolling, the personnel also keep a tab on people who pollute the tracks.

Alok Srivastava, public relations officer (PRO) NER Lucknow, said, “So far, the RPF have booked 29 people, a majority of whom were found polluting the railway area. They were booked under various charges.”

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the railways also maintains cleanliness on stations premises and on trains.

Special agencies have been hired for the purpose.