Patna: Patna is preparing for a major anti-encroachment campaign as the district administration begins a fresh “clean city” drive from Saturday. The operation has been launched under the direction of Patna District Magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan S M, who has ordered officials to remove illegal encroachments and ensure that the city’s main roads remain clear for traffic and emergency services. Authorities say the campaign will continue until May 30 and will be monitored every day to make sure the action is carried out properly across all parts of the city.
To carry out the operation, the District Administration and the Senior Superintendent of Police have formed nine separate teams. These teams will work together in different parts of Patna to remove illegal roadside structures, unauthorised vendors, and vehicles parked in restricted areas. Officials from several departments, including the municipal corporation, police, traffic department, transport department, revenue department, road construction department, health services and fire services, will jointly participate in the campaign. The administration believes that coordinated action is necessary because encroachments have become one of the biggest reasons behind traffic congestion and public inconvenience in the state capital.
The campaign will cover all six municipal corporation zones of Patna — Nutan Rajdhani, Patliputra, Kankarbagh, Bankipur, Azimabad and Patna City — along with Khagaul, Phulwari Sharif and Danapur. According to officials, special focus will be placed on some of the busiest roads and intersections in the city. These include Nehru Path, Boring Road, Kankarbagh Main Road, the Gandhi Maidan area, Atal Path and the stretch from Saguna Mor to Danapur Station. The administration has described important crossings, T-points and roundabouts as “Zero Tolerance Zones”, where strict monitoring will be carried out regularly to stop encroachments from returning after removal.
District Magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan S M has instructed all deputed officers, including Sub-Divisional Officers and Sub-Divisional Police Officers, to carry out the operation firmly and without delay. Officials have been told to take strict legal action against anyone trying to create obstacles during the campaign. The administration has also warned that repeat offenders will face stronger action, including mandatory FIRs if they are found encroaching again after removal. Temporary encroachments will attract a fine of Rs 5,000, while permanent encroachments may lead to penalties of up to Rs 20,000.
Authorities have also directed officials to pay extra attention to roads near hospitals and emergency service routes. The administration said ambulances and patients should not face delays because of roadside occupation or illegal parking. Police teams have been instructed to carry out vehicle-checking drives alongside the anti-encroachment operation and maintain records of all enforcement activities at their respective police stations. Officials say the month-long drive is aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing congestion and making Patna’s roads safer and cleaner for residents.
