FINAL-BOOK-HLSRC latest

departments directly associated with safety. The check sheets should
be based on present rules, regulations, manuals, instructions, etc. and
should form part of the safety manual of the Railway.
2.15 External Interference to IR system - Encroachment and
Sabotage.
2.15.1 Vast expanse of Indian Railway network is prone to outside interference.
The Committee had firsthand experience of large scale encroachment very
near the railway track in Delhi area. OHE masts were seen almost inside
the houses at some locations and a large population was seen squatting on
the railway track. It is understood that similar level of encroachment near
the railway track is existing elsewhere near the other metros and populous
areas.
2.15.2 Large scale defecation by people living in the nearby areas was also
reported. This creates unsafe condition not only because maintenance of
fixed infrastructure badly suffers at such encroachment sites but also there
is danger to the population living nearby. The Committee also had the
firsthand experience of persons crossing the railway track while the train
was on approach. It is understood that the removal of encroachment was
not possible because of political interference associated with relocation of
the affected population. It is strongly recommended to address this
issue at the political level to ensure removal of all such
encroachments in the vicinity of railway track in the interest of safety.
PPEA (Public Premises Eviction Act) should be suitably amended so
that eviction of encroachers is easily possible with the help of local
police/Railway Protection Force. Suitable amendment in the Railway
Act should also be made by which encroachers can be severely
penalized.
2.15.3 Deteriorating law and order situation in some parts of the country is having
adverse impact on railway system. Railways were adversely affected due
to sabotage which has also led to some of the serious train accidents, the
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