SC directs removal of Slum Dwellings along the Rail Tracks

The Supreme Court has directed removal of 48,000 slum dwellings along the 140 km length of railway tracks in Delhi within three months. It also directed that there shall not be any kind of political interference in execution of the plan.

Key Facts

• The court restrained any court from granting any kind of stay with respect to removal of encroachments in the area
• It also said in case any interim order is granted with respect to encroachments along railway tracks that shall not be effective.
• The report was filed by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA)
• SC directed that action taken must be reported to the court within one month on removal of waste and encroachments in the area.
• Direct all stakeholders that a comprehensive plan for removal of jhuggies be made and executed in a phased manner.
• 70 per cent of the requisite amount shall be borne by the Railways and 30 per cent by the State Government and the manpower be provided by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), Railways and agencies available with the Government, free of cost, and they will not charge it from each other.

Why this order?

The EPCA, in its report, has sought direction to Railways to present a time-bound plan for solid waste management in the northern region, starting with Delhi and its vicinity.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2020