KURSEONG, 24 APRIL: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)
officials are concerned over regular encroachment and occupation of
railway lands in the hills.
It was learnt that large tracts of the
DHR land has already been occupied and encroached upon in the hills and
presently too, such practices have been reported at different places in
the hills. Besides, people have also been using the railway tracks for
their own interests.
As per the DHR officials, on such occupied
areas of the railway, illegal private buildings, schools, play grounds
and other establishments have come up. In some places constructions have
come up so close to the railway tracks that there is hardly any space
for the train to pass through, which can hamper both the moving train
and the people living in such premises. In Kurseong, near the Railway
Yard, a large portion of the tracks are used by vehicles as parking
space and even the trains have to halt for a while in order for the
vehicle to be moved away. After the train passes, the vehicles are again
parked on the railway tracks. Such activities are not only seen in
Kurseong Town and its outskirts, but also all over the hills along the
railway lines. Hence, train services are hampered on a daily basis.
According
to sources, even the Kurseong Tourist Lodge and other major places in
Darjeeling are said to have been built on railway lands, but with the
passage of time railway land is dwindling.
The DHR Director, Mr M D
Bhutia said that recently a toy train was derailed at Kakjhora near
Darjeeling due to negligence of the locals. The construction materials
were thrown on the tracks, resulting in the derailment of the train. He
added that he had several projects in mind to make use of railway lands,
but due to certain problems they have not been able to go with the
plans.
statesman news service
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