Os vizinhos dos trilhos: estudo sobre os territórios às margens da via férrea no município de Natal/RN

Abstract

In Brazil, the issue of occupations or invasions of the strip intended for the operationalization of railway activities, within the perimeter of its domain defined at 15 meters from the central axis of the railway according to the law 13.913 / 2019, and to its proximity, is neither a new nor an isolated fact. However, there is a lack of precise surveys that recognize the problem beyond the approach of illegality, also considering the social context established in these territories. It results in a recurrent invisibility of the problem, whereas a posture of connivance and abandonment is assumed and the repossession actions are taken through law enforcement. This study aims to discuss the territory on the margins of the active railroad of Natal/RN, from the perspective of the dwellings and individuals fixed therein, characterizing and classifying the different faces of the problem in the territorial, socioeconomic and infrastructure dimensions. At first, the analysis of this territory was performed using the theoretical assumptions related to urban informality, exclusion and socio-spatial segregation linked to the place of residence, in addition to the debate on housing risk, considering the interrelation of these themes with conjuncture under study. After the theoretical recognition, there is a survey of the territorial and socioeconomic profile of the areas in question, which is performed in two spatial levels of analysis. The first relating to Territorial Plots where constructions were identified on the margins of the railway modal, followed by its the Census Sectors adjacent to the railway. After diagnoses, an information base is obtained that demonstrates the territorial, social and economic differentiations on the territorial portion under study, which in addition to contributing to its visibility, also directs to a treatment that considers its peculiarities, being this first step in decision making, in the field of Public Policies, until the proper treatment of these areas, incorporating them to the appropriate pattern of housing, urban infrastructure and service’s provision.