4 hrs ago
Haldwani Railway Land Dispute Prompts Heightened Security Before Hearing
A large neighbourhood in Haldwani is at the centre of a disagreement over railway land.
The Railways says many buildings were built on land it owns and that it needs the land to improve the station.
Residents say many families have lived there for decades or generations.
More than 50,000 people live in the area, including children who attend local schools.
The Supreme Court will hear the case on Wednesday.
Because the issue is sensitive, police are bringing in extra forces and using drones and special squads.
The court previously stopped an eviction order that could have forced residents to leave quickly.
It has said families should be considered for rehabilitation, but not necessarily on the same land.
Banbhoolpura will be divided into sectors, zones and super zones ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on Wednesday.
Police will deploy tear-gas, anti-riot and armed squads, along with drones and other specialised teams.
More than 50,000 people live in the disputed area, which contains schools, religious institutions and a health centre.
The Railways claims the land is encroached upon and is needed for expanded infrastructure around Haldwani railway station.
The Supreme Court has stayed the eviction order and directed authorities to identify required land and arrange rehabilitation for affected families.
- Who
- The Railways, residents of Gafoor Basti, Dholak Basti and Indira Nagar, Uttarakhand authorities, and the Supreme Court.
- What
- A dispute over alleged encroachment on railway land and the possible rehabilitation of affected residents.
- Where
- The Banbhoolpura area around Haldwani railway station in Uttarakhand.
- When
- The Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday; the court stayed the eviction order in January 2023 and issued further directions in July 2024 and February 2026.
- Why
- The Railways says it needs the land for station expansion and related infrastructure, while residents contest its ownership claims and face possible displacement.
Residents’ Position
Railways’ Position
Ownership and land status
Residents’ Position
Residents say many families have occupied the area for decades or generations and cite documents relating to occupation, property transactions and a 1907 record describing the land as nazul land.
Railways’ Position
The Railways relies on a 1959 notification, 1971 revenue records and the 2016-17 joint survey to support its claim that the land is railway property containing unauthorised structures.
Eviction and rehabilitation
Residents’ Position
Residents face the possibility of losing their homes and have sought consideration of the large settled community and its public facilities.
Railways’ Position
The Supreme Court held in February 2026 that occupants could not claim an indefinite legal right to remain, while directing authorities to assess affected families for rehabilitation.
Use of the land
Residents’ Position
Residents contest the Railways’ claim and maintain that established families should not be displaced without a workable arrangement.
Railways’ Position
The Railways says the land is needed to expand and realign station infrastructure and to address the vulnerability of railway facilities near the Gaula river.
Key facts
- Affected population
- More than 50,000 people live in the disputed area.
- Identified structures
- A 2016-17 joint survey identified 4,365 structures as encroachments.
- Police deployment
- Tear-gas squads, anti-riot squads, armed units, drone teams, intelligence and communication teams will be deployed.
- Disputed localities
- Gafoor Basti, Dholak Basti and Indira Nagar.
- Community facilities
- The area has three government schools, 11 private schools, 10 mosques, 12 madrassas, a public health centre and a temple.
- Railway requirements
- The Railways cites additional lines and platforms, a washing pit, a sick line shed and stabling lines.
- Rehabilitation direction
- The Supreme Court directed authorities to assess affected families and facilitate rehabilitation applications, without guaranteeing relocation on the same site.
Quotes
Manjunath TC
Senior Superintendent of Police in Haldwani
“General alert has been sounded and specialised police deployment has been made.”
indianexpress.com
“Entire Banphoolpura will be divided into sectors, zones and super zones.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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