Makeshift shelters removed from rly land near Guwahati stn

Guwahati: A joint eviction drive was carried out along the railway station tracks in the city on Tuesday by the Government Railway Police (GRP), along with officials from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the railway department, to clear illegal encroachment from railway land.During the operation, several makeshift houses and temporary structures erected along the railway tracks were dismantled. GRP officer-in-charge (OC) Abhishek Bodo said, “We had dismantled about 40 to 50 makeshift tents. They were staying there illegally.”The eviction drive was carried out near the Guwahati Railway Station. Bodo said the exercise is ongoing and will continue. “Most of these settlers are outsiders from different states, and even Bangladeshi origin muslims as well, who are homeless. We conduct eviction drives every two or three months. However, despite repeated drives, we have no idea how they return and start residing at the same spot again,” he said.Bodo said the trackside area has become a drug hotspot, creating safety and sanitation concerns. “It is a big problem for us as it is an open area and we have very less man-power due to which the execution cannot be 100%. We have a track patrolling team who patrol the track areas everyday, but these addicts often make a run when they see any of our officers,” he added.He said drug supplies arrive from different parts of the state and alleged transactions take place along the tracks. With portions of Fancy Bazar and Paltan Bazar connected to the railway line, he said the activity has also created an unsafe environment for local residents.