In an initiative launched by Indian Railways, “Operation Thirst”, has been implemented as an all-India drive to combat the sale of unauthorized packaged drinking water within railway premises. The move comes in response to the rising volume of passengers traveling by rail, largely attributed to the closure of schools, as well as the festive and marriage seasons. This increase in passengers, particularly during the peak of summer, has led to a corresponding surge in the demand for drinking water. “Operation Thirst” has been introduced as a means to address this growing issue.
Understanding “Operation Thirst”
“Operation Thirst” was a two-day intensive campaign conducted across all major railway stations in India on 8th and 9th July 2019. The primary focus of the operation was to crack down on the sale of unauthorized brands of packaged drinking water that were being sold within the railway premises. These unauthorized vendors were selling bottled water to the large influx of travelers, capitalizing on the increase in demand during the peak summer season.
The Impact of the Operation
During the course of “Operation Thirst,” a considerable number of arrests were made. A total of 1371 persons were apprehended by the railway protection force for selling packaged drinking water of unauthorized brands. Moreover, several stalls located on platforms were found to be selling these unauthorized brands. The operation revealed the extent of the issue and underlined the need for stronger regulatory measures.
| Date | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| 8th July 2019 | 685 approx. |
| 9th July 2019 | 686 approx. |
Response of the Indian Railways
The Indian Railways have been proactive in their response to the situation. Following the revelations of “Operation Thirst,” stringent measures have been put in place to ensure that only authorized brands of packaged drinking water are sold within the railway premises. The operation has served to highlight the importance of regulatory enforcement within the railways, leading to improved standards and stricter controls.
