: As a controversy broke out over its decision to carry out a demolition drive at a time when the city is braving chilly weather, the railways tried to defend itself on Sunday by saying that the slum dwellers of Shakur Basti were issued notices thrice this year and that the death of a toddler ‘has no connection with the drive’.
On Sunday, Northern Railway General Manager A K Puthia and Mr. Arora met Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to explain the reason behind the anti encroachment drive but it appears that a difference of opinion persisted between the two sides.
In a statement, the railways said that 1,200 temporary structures were demolished that were 'fresh' constructions, despite the residents of the area saying that they have been living at the site for decades, with Voter IDs to buttress their claim. Railways said that the drive was carried out after giving due notice to the slum dwellers and earlier notices were issued on March 14 and September 30, 2015.
The statement also said that the child had passed away two hours before the drive had begun.
Delhi Divisional Railway Manager Arun Arora also told reporters that the encroachments had become a risk for train operations because the slums were situated within the 15-metre of safety zone.
The railways also said the National Green Tribunal had ordered that the tracks should be cleared of solid waste and garbage that was being dumped by the slum dwellers.
