Strict action should be taken against illegal constructions

Patna (ABN) Following the directions of the District Magistrate of Patna, a special anti-encroachment drive was conducted in the Patna City Sub-Division, stretching from Badri Ghat to Kangan Ghat, resulting in the removal of temporary encroachments. A total of 42 temporary structures, comprising 7 huts and 35 stalls, were cleared. Additionally, 2 stalls were also seized. Furthermore, fines of Rs 3000 were collected from the encroachers. The Circle Officer has initiated action to remove permanent constructions. These permanent structures will be removed in accordance with the law. The District Magistrate stated that "this area is of utmost importance from a public interest perspective." Several development schemes are currently underway in this area. No obstacles can be tolerated in the implementation of these significant public welfare schemes. Encroachments along the Ganga River will not be tolerated. Authorities have been directed to "not only remove existing encroachments but also ensure that no new encroachments occur." Legal action will be initiated against anyone who creates obstacles in this process. The Sub-Divisional Officer and Sub-Divisional Police Officer have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these orders. The District Magistrate said that people have illegally occupied unsurveyed land along the Ganga River, approximately 3 kilometers from Badri Ghat to Kangan Ghat. Encroachments have occurred at various locations within the riverine zone, where anti-social elements with vested interests are constructing illegal structures. The District Magistrate termed this situation deplorable. The Sub-Divisional Officer has been directed to conduct an effective anti-encroachment drive in these areas to improve public facilities. Unserved land within the riverine zone is considered government property. No individual can claim ownership of unserved land along the Ganga River. According to the orders of the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court, no individual is permitted to construct any structure in these areas. Moreover, no construction is allowed within the flood-prone area, even on private land. Authorities have been directed to remove encroachments from these areas in accordance with the orders of the National Green Tribunal and the Hon'ble Court. The District Magistrate stated that encroachments were removed from these areas in the past as well. Today, illegal constructions were demolished under the leadership of the Sub-Divisional Officer and Sub-Divisional Police Officer. The City Magistrate and Deputy Superintendent of Police (City Administration-East) were appointed as senior supervising officers. The City Executive Officer (Azimabad Circle), Executive Magistrate (Patna City), and Circle Officer (Patna City) were appointed as magistrates. The District Magistrate emphasized that encroachments in this area cannot be tolerated. The Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) has been directed to deploy an adequate number of magistrates and police personnel to facilitate the removal of illegal constructions. The City Magistrate, Circle Officer (Patna City), and City Executive Officer have been directed to organize and conduct the anti-encroachment drive in a lawful and systematic manner. The District Magistrate further stated that the Sub-Divisional Officer and Sub-Divisional Police Officer have also been directed to initiate punitive legal action against habitual encroachers. The District Magistrate emphasized that the removal of encroachments is essential for public interest. The illegal construction of government land by a few individuals forces a large section of society to face daily difficulties. This situation is unacceptable. Today, illegal temporary constructions were removed. Regarding the illegal permanent constructions, the Circle Officer has initiated action against encroachments, and further action is currently underway. After the removal of encroachments, the departments of forestry, urban development, and housing, road construction, and other relevant agencies will undertake beautification and development work in these areas. This will ensure better facilities for the public and significantly facilitate their daily activities. The District Magistrate reported that they inspected these areas and the surrounding regions today and also solicited feedback from local residents. Officials have been directed to gradually improve public facilities. The District Magistrate stated that the state government is vigilant and sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the public. The entire administrative machinery is geared to address this. The district administration, Patna, is successfully implementing development and public welfare schemes in accordance with the government's objectives and guidelines. Officers have been directed to conduct regular anti-encroachment drives and focus on traffic management and city beautification in the public interest. The District Magistrate noted that Patna Sahib is a significant tourist destination. Thousands of devotees, visitors, and tourists from across the country and abroad visit this site. Continuous efforts are being made to enhance public facilities in the area. The District Magistrate further stated that Patna is undergoing large-scale development. A significant number of roads, bridges, and flyovers have been constructed, and the metro project is progressing rapidly. The successful implementation of various government schemes has brought about positive changes in the lifestyle of the common people. The District Magistrate stressed the need to focus on civic amenities. Measures will be taken for parking development, green development, and encroachment removal to achieve this objective.