Anti-encroachment drive in Patna city from today till November 9

Patna: In a bid to address the longstanding issue of encroachments in Patna, Divisional Commissioner Kumar Ravi has issued instructions for a comprehensive campaign set to commence today (October 30). The campaign, executed on the directive of Commissioner Ravi, will see the active involvement of multiple government departments and law enforcement agencies in the city.

Under the guidance of Patna District Magistrate (DM), Chandrashekhar Singh, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Rajeev Mishra, five dedicated teams have been constituted to lead this drive. These teams comprise a diverse array of officials and personnel from various departments, including administration, Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), traffic police, transport, revenue, road construction, health, police, fire brigade, Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited, telecommunication, forest, energy, among others.

Furthermore, each team will include magistrates, police officers, women officers, police forces, and lathi (baton) forces. The municipal bodies have deployed executive officers, city managers, chief sanitation inspectors, personnel, and videographers to bolster the campaign’s effectiveness.

This campaign, slated to run until November 9, will maintain an active roster of teams to ensure continuous vigilance. Daily reviews will be conducted by Commissioner Ravi to assess the campaign’s progress and results.

Commissioner Ravi has underscored the importance of strict record-keeping, mandating that police station heads maintain records of encroachment removal in their station diaries. Before the campaign’s launch, sub-divisional officers will conduct public announcements in the affected areas and ensure comprehensive videography of the encroachment removal process. Violators’ goods will be confiscated, and fines will be imposed as per relevant regulations.

To maintain order during the encroachment removal campaign and ensure the smooth flow of traffic, Commissioner Ravi has directed law enforcement agencies to take swift legal action against individuals who obstruct the operation. Sub-divisional officers and sub-divisional police officers will assume overall responsibility for preserving law and order within their respective jurisdictions while monitoring the campaign’s progress.

The follow-up team, led by these officers, will remain vigilant, ensuring that encroachments are not reinstated. Any instances of encroachment resurgence will result in the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against the offenders.

Additionally, traffic police will conduct special vehicle checks as part of the drive to eliminate encroachments.

Commissioner Ravi has also instructed the District Control Room and Sub-Divisional Officers to take all necessary steps for maintaining smooth traffic arrangements in Patna Sadar, Patna City and Danapur urban areas. This includes deploying magistrates and police officers to identify and address illegal structures and encroachments. Action under Section 133 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) will be taken to remove public nuisances based on police reports.