Train Toilet Water for Chai? Viral Video Leaves Netizens Furious
Travelling by train in India is not just about reaching a destination; it’s a journey laden with experiences, especially culinary delights like ‘chai’ and ‘jhal muri’. However, recent events have cast a shadow on the hygiene practices associated with these onboard refreshments.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
A viral video shared on Instagram by Jist News has sparked widespread outrage. The footage depicts a man using a jet spray to clean a tea container inside a train toilet. This shocking revelation has reignited concerns over the safety and cleanliness of food and beverages served aboard trains.
Potential Health Risks
Consuming beverages prepared with water from inadequately maintained sources poses significant health risks:
- Waterborne Diseases: Drinking contaminated water can lead to severe illnesses such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
- Digestive Issues: Contaminants in unhygienic water may irritate the stomach lining, resulting in nausea, cramps, and vomiting.
- Long-term Health Effects: Prolonged exposure to such water may contribute to kidney damage, liver infections, or developmental issues due to toxins like lead or arsenic.
- Dehydration and Fatigue: Frequent consumption of unclean water can cause persistent diarrhoea, leading to dehydration and overall fatigue.
Railway Water Supply Practices
It is crucial to note that the water tanks of Indian train coaches are typically refilled at various stations, often from municipal sources. However, the suitability of this water for direct human consumption is questionable. Health experts advise that drinking water for passengers is supplied through a separate, presumably safer pipeline.
Call for Hygiene Reform
In light of these revelations, there is a pressing need for stringent hygiene reforms within the Indian railway system. Ensuring the safety of beverages and food served on trains should be a top priority to prevent potential health hazards among passengers.
Conclusion
The circulation of such videos underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene in food and beverage preparation, especially in public transport settings like Indian trains. Addressing these concerns through robust hygiene practices and regulatory oversight is essential to safeguarding public health and restoring confidence among passengers.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
