Rlys to build homes for slum dwellers

In order to remove encroachments along the tracks, Railways will construct low-cost housesforslumdwellersinMumbaiandDelhi. Named Sukhi Griha scheme, the project entails construction of low-cost houses for slum dwellers residing near the tracks, because of which the movement of trains gets affected.  "We have undertaken steps for removal of encroachments by giving them small shelters through Sukhi Griha Scheme and also through othercentralschemes.TheSukhiGrihascheme aims for slum dwellers' rehabilitation and resettlementinaplannedmanner,"aseniorRailwayMinistry official said.      Railways have already sanctioned Rs 22 crore for Mumbai and Rs 11 crore for Delhi underthescheme."Fundswillbeprovidedforother cities also as detailed rehabilitation plans are being worked out with states concerned," said the official. The scheme was announced in the Rail Budget 2011-12 by then Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.      "Thesedwellersaffectsmoothmovementof trains. We have adopted a human approach for removing encroachments," the official said.      The railways have taken up the encroachment issue with the Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ministry to relocate slums under the Rajiv Awas Yojna.