The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted two months’ time to the Central Government to submit a concrete proposal for the rehabilitation of nearly 50,000 people who have allegedly encroached upon railway properties in Haldwani.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing Union of India’s plea seeking modification of an order staying the eviction of nearly 50,000 people, who have allegedly encroached upon railway properties in Haldwani.
The Court directed the Government to also file a rehabilitation proposal for those who are likely to be affected by the eviction.
“Meanwhile the Interim directions passed earlier to stay the eviction of the families shall continue,” the court directed.
Senior Advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for the Uttarakhand government, said, “We were asked to take some steps. Certain steps have been taken. Joint meeting has been carried out. A team has been formed to identify the families… we are praying for 2 more months’ time.”
Singh said that the Railway Ministry is working on identifying land for relocation… “A survey is already underway,” he said.
Justice Kant said that in some cases, you may find there is no need to shift.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the residents, said that the flooding of tracks was not possible anymore. No person needs to be shifted.
Gonsalves said, “We have made a drone video showing residents are safe. We want permission to file that before the court,” he said.
Justice Kant said, “Let’s first see what they have to say. What kind of proposal they bring.”
The Court then dictated its order saying that the government counsel “states that various initiatives including the process of identifying the strip of land which is required immediately and/or lands which would be required for completion of the project has commenced”.
The Court then granted two months’ time to submit a concrete proposal for the rehabilitation of those likely to be affected and also who are under consideration.
The Apex Court had earlier on July 25, 2024 stayed the eviction of 50,000 residents who had encroached upon the land near Haldwani Railway station and directed the authorities to create a rehabilitation scheme for them.
The Court had also directed to identify an alternate land for railway track expansion.
