New Delhi: In an all India drive ''Operation Thirst", launched by Railways to curb the menace of unauthorized 'Packaged Drinking Water' in Railway premises, 1,371 people were arrested for selling packaged drinking water of unauthorized brands.
During the peak summer season, there is a heavy demand of drinking water due to the closure of schools and festive or marriage season, the number of passenger traveling by railways also increases and so the demand of drinking water.
''Operation Thirst'' was launched on July 8 and 9 on the direction of DG RPF, Railway Board, New Delhi where all the Zonal Principal Chief Security Commissioners (PCSC) were asked to crackdown these unauthorized activities, according to the Railway Ministry on Thursday.
Almost all major stations over Railways were covered during this operation.
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Under different sections --144 & 153 of Railway Act, a total of 69,294 bottles of PDW have been seized and a total fine of Rs 6,80,855 has been realized from the offenders, it added.
Four pantry car managers involved in the selling of the same were also arrested. Stalls on platforms were also found selling packaged drinking water bottle of brands which are not authorized by Railways.
Further inquiries into these cases are being made to reach the origin of this activity and those found involved will be taken up accordingly. The drive will be followed by continuous action by concerned PCSCs on this issue.