Lok Sabha
There are 27000 numbers of encroachments covering an area of approximately 40 hectare of railway land. These encroachments have come up over various years. Various steps have been taken for removal of encroachments, which also include action under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.
In the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Railways have agreed to bear part cost of relocation of Pre-1998 encroachers located on Railway land in 'Safety Zone' and on land required for execution of sanctioned projects, as per the Resettlement & Rehabilitation policy of Delhi Government, which has the approval of the Ministry of Urban Development. Northern Railway have deposited over Rs.11 crore with the Government of Delhi on this account, for relocating 'Jhuggies/ Jhopries', to get encroachments removed from railway land. Regular chasing and meetings are done by Railway officials with Delhi Government officials.
All efforts are made by Railway towards proper co-ordination with the Government of Delhi including seeking assistance of local police and Magistrate as eviction of encroachers often lead to law and order problems. In the process of removal of encroachers, Railways have to depend on the State Government for Police/Magistrate, and for survey and resettlement of encroachers. Depending on the co-operation of the State Government Railways will continue to make all possible efforts to remove all the encroachers.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri R.Velu in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
AKS/HK/TR
(Release ID :30636)