Dearth of sanitation workers hits cleanliness at rly station

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, April 23

Cleanliness at the city railway station has been hit due to the absence of the sanitation workers. Waiting rooms, washrooms and platforms have been extended over the area with filth and garbage. The worst-affected is the waiting hall area, meant for the unreserved class.

A pool of water is being lying stagnant on the floor of the waiting hall, forcing the people to face inconvenience.

Ever since the washrooms for unreserved class have been closed, passengers are on the receiving end as the authorities haven’t provided alternate washrooms.

Among the closed washrooms, there is also a lavatory for the disabled. Besides, the entrance of the women’s toilet was also kept closed sometimes.

A group of local passengers, who frequently visit the railway station said they were not allowed to use the toilets in the reserved class waiting halls.

Kamaljot Singh, a resident of Mahiran Gate, who visits Amritsar almost everyday said: “The washroom has been locked due to the repair work for the past fifteen days. She didn’t notice any progress in the repair work.”

The waiting hall also serves as an entry and exit point. Hence the passengers have to cross over through the scattered water.

Manoj Kumar, Chief Health Inspector (CHI) said: “The authorities haven’t floated new tenders for the cleanliness work, resulting in a shortage of sanitation staff.”

“Currently only six sanitation workers are taking care of the cleanliness at the railway station and others are hired on daily wage basis,” he added.

Manoj said: “As per the rules, there should be around 75-80 sanitation workers on the station premises to maintain the cleanliness at the station throughout the day in three shifts.”

The passengers also complained that the washrooms at the upper waiting class halls were also in stark neglect. The urinals, toilet sheets and sinks are not cleaned properly. There are dark stains at urinals and on toilet sheets.

RK Behl, Senior Superintendent, Railway Station, assured that the washrooms would be repaired within three days.