The local administration in Baragarh town of Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, conducted an anti-encroachment drive on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The operation focused on clearing illegal structures along the roadside, specifically the stretch from the railway gate to the police station. JCB machines were used to demolish the unauthorized constructions.
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What happened during the drive in Baragarh
On the first day of the campaign, authorities demolished shops built on footpaths and walls of houses that had extended onto public land. While some local villagers initially protested the action, they later complied after officials reasoned with them. Many encroachers had already removed their belongings voluntarily before the machines arrived.
Official stance on railway and public land encroachment
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on June 22, 2026, that encroachment will not be tolerated and immediate action must be taken against the guilty. He also mentioned the development of new railway facilities in the Bundelkhand region, including Chitrakoot. Nationally, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reported that about 1,068 hectares of railway land are currently under encroachment, which is roughly 0.21% of total railway land.
How Indian Railways monitors land encroachment
- Digitization of all land records to track ownership.
- Regular drone surveys to identify new illegal structures.
- Use of satellite imagery for constant monitoring.
- Collaboration with state governments to handle the poorest residents humanely.
- Commercial use of unused land through the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) via transparent tenders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where exactly was the encroachment drive carried out in Chitrakoot?
The drive took place in Baragarh town, focusing on the roadside area from the railway gate to the police station.
How much railway land is currently encroached nationwide?
As per the Railway Minister, approximately 1,068.54 hectares of Indian Railways land were reported as encroached upon as of March 31, 2025.