Patna DM Inspects City Areas, Pledges to Remove Encroachments and Improve Civic Amenities

Patna: Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, the District Magistrate of Patna, conducted a comprehensive inspection of several key areas in Patna Sadar and Patna City subdivisions on Wednesday, with a particular focus on addressing encroachments and enhancing public services.

Accompanied by senior officials, Singh toured local neighbourhoods, taking feedback from residents to inform his approach. He emphasized the need for continuous improvement in civic infrastructure, stressing that the state government remains committed to addressing the public’s needs and ensuring the efficient implementation of developmental programmes.

The District Magistrate outlined a number of priorities for urban governance, including the removal of illegal encroachments, better traffic management, and the beautification of public spaces. He directed officials to expedite anti-encroachment campaigns, with a special focus on areas encroaching on riverfront lands and other public spaces.

During his inspection, Singh identified several sites where unauthorized structures were being constructed on unregulated land, particularly near the Ganga River. These encroachments, especially near Gate 88 on the south side of JP Ganga Path in Digha, and on ITI land, were deemed a threat to both public safety and environmental integrity. Singh expressed regret over these findings and outlined plans to remove these illegal structures starting January 23, 2025. He ordered that sufficient police and magistrate staff be assigned to enforce the removals and ensure that such illegal activities do not continue.

Further, the District Magistrate visited the Patna Sahib Gurudwara area, a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and reviewed plans to improve civic amenities there. A multi-level parking facility and dedicated corridors are under consideration to alleviate traffic congestion in this area, which attracts thousands of visitors daily.

Singh also visited the Rajeev Nagar and Anandpuri Nala areas, where he assessed the feasibility of covering large drains to create more road space, and took stock of conditions around Digha ITI and the old Ganga Path. Feedback collected from local residents will help shape future development projects in these regions.

Patna’s ongoing development projects were also on Singh’s agenda. He highlighted the progress of road construction, flyovers, and the metro system, which are transforming the city’s infrastructure. The District Magistrate assured residents that these improvements, combined with government welfare schemes, are making a positive impact on their daily lives.

In response to growing urban challenges, the state government has approved the creation of 42 new posts within the General Administration Department, including roles for an Additional District Magistrate dedicated to urban management. Additionally, 153 new positions in law enforcement have been authorised, signalling the government’s commitment to improving urban governance in Patna.

Singh has also prioritised traffic and parking management. He instructed the creation of a new system to regularly carry out anti-encroachment drives to prevent further disruptions, particularly in areas prone to illegal parking. These measures are part of a broader initiative to streamline traffic flow, reduce congestion, and ensure smoother commutes for city residents.

To further enhance public safety, Singh has called for the effective implementation of advanced surveillance and traffic control technologies. The Patna Smart City Project, which includes over 3,300 CCTV cameras installed across more than 400 locations, has been a key tool in monitoring traffic and public spaces. Singh directed officials to ensure the smooth operation of this Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS), which also features automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), speed violation detection, and public address systems.

As the city’s population continues to grow, Singh stressed the importance of a responsive and efficient urban management system. “Our goal is to ensure that Patna remains not only a gateway to eastern India but also a model for modern urban development, with the highest standards of traffic safety, environmental protection, and citizen services,” he said.