Haldwani, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision on Tuesday regarding the encroachment and unauthorized occupation of railway land near the Banbhoolpura locality close to Haldwani's railway station in Uttarakhand.

With the ruling set to impact the lives of numerous residents, the police presence in the area has increased significantly.

Approximately 3,500 houses are situated on the 30-hectare tract of land adjacent to the Haldwani railway station, and over five thousand families residing there are anxiously awaiting the court's decision, knowing that the outcome will determine whether their homes will remain or be demolished.

In anticipation of the Supreme Court's ruling on the railway land issue, the police have initiated precautionary measures to ensure public safety and order. As a preventive measure, 21 individuals have been detained in Banbhoolpura. With concerns about potential unrest, action has been taken against 121 people under sections 126/135 of the BNS.

Authorities suspect that these individuals were attempting to incite unrest among the public. They have been arrested under Section 170 BNSS, which permits police to make preventive arrests to avert a cognizable offense.

In addition, seven drones will be utilized for surveillance, and 12 CCTV cameras will be deployed to monitor sensitive areas in Haldwani. In light of the potential for renewed unrest, the police are enhancing their readiness and preparing for thorough monitoring throughout Banbhoolpura, particularly in higher-risk zones using drone technology.

The intelligence network has also been activated by the authorities. Railway officials assert that thousands of houses were constructed illegally over time on their land along the Banbhoolpura railway track.

Previous efforts by the railway to clear these encroachments were stalled as the matter was brought before the courts.

Police units are vigilantly observing all activities, including those on social media platforms, and drones have been deployed for comprehensive monitoring of the area.

In February 2024, when a joint police and administration operation aimed at demolishing a madrasa built on government land reached Banbhoolpura, they encountered fierce resistance.

The situation escalated into violence, leading to the burning of a police station. In the ensuing clashes, seven individuals lost their lives, and numerous officers, police personnel, and media representatives sustained injuries.

To restore order, the administration imposed a curfew, resulting in multiple arrests, with several individuals now out on bail.