Railway to act tough against squatters

Nischith N | NT

South Western Railways is currently carrying out an anti-encroachment drive and sent eviction notices to those illegally occupying railway premises across Bengaluru. As of now the railway officials are conducting a survey to identify the total amount of land that has been encroached.

The step is being taken after the Railway Board Member (Infrastructure) ordered all zones across the Indian Railways to remove encroachers. It is claimed that an action taken report will be sent to the Railway Board in a few days.

“We have reports of slums, chawls and other illegal structures across Bengaluru city. So we have ordered for a survey that is already on and as soon as we get, the notices will be issued. However, the railways’ drive against encroachment has been opposed by many local people saying that it was shocking to see railways surveying to give notices to those who have been residing near the railway track for many years. Once the notice is served they have to vacate within seven days,” says South Western Railway (SWR) senior official.

According to the reports, the action against the encroachers on the railway land has generally been taken under the provision of PPE act of 1971. It has been reported that thousands of occupants are occupying railway premises along the tracks illegally. This leads to obstacles in operating rail services as well as extending the railway network, according to the official.

“Across India notices are already being issued, but when it comes to SWR, it is always delayed. Now that they have started its survey, I hope it will be completed soon. Railways should initiate appropriate legal action or forcible dispossession and removal of such structures by taking assistance of the local police,” said Krishna, an activist.

The Indian Railways is carrying out a pan-India drive against encroachment on all its properties. Railway Board Member (Infrastructure ) Sanjeev Mittal ordered all zonal railways to remove encroachers by conducting eviction proceedings. It has directed the general managers of all zonal railways, to furnish an action taken report.