Indian Railways starts slum demolition drive in Surat, SC halts drive

The Indian Railways started a mega demolition drive to demolish kachcha and shanties and pakka houses constructed along railway tracks between Surat and Udhna railway stations on Indian Railways land. The dwellers of the slum have been seen shifting their household items. The demolition drive stayed for a day by the Gujarat High Court though the authorities began the demolition drive earlier. During the demolition drive, heavy protection of police was used to maintain peace and order. The railway authorities, directed by two additional divisional railway managers, technical staff, engineering staff, and personnel of Surat city police, GRP, SRP and RFP, arrived at Mafatnagar, Magdoom Nagar slums and began the demolition activities on Tuesday morning. The demolition activities continued even though the residents tried to plead with the officials. Colin Gonsalves, Senior Advocate, told the bench that the authorities would start the demolition work on Tuesday itself in agreement with the Gujarat High Court’s August 19 order, directing eviction of over 10,000 slum dwellers. However, after a Supreme Court order, the railway authorities have stopped the demolition drive. A bench consisting of Justice Surya Kant and Chief Justice NV Ramana passed the order to stop the demolition after mentioning the matter under the urgent listing. Image Source Also read: Maharashtra govt allows SRA to survey all slums in Mumbai and Thane Also read: Slum redevelopment on Mumbai airport land gets state govt approval