Patna: The Bihar government’s Water Resources Department has taken a firm stance against illegal encroachment on its land, directing officials to take strict legal action against violators.
On Tuesday, the department’s Principal Secretary issued a letter to all Chief Engineers, instructing them to file First Information Reports (FIRs) at the relevant police stations against individuals encroaching on departmental land. Similar directives were sent to all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police, urging them to take immediate action upon receiving such complaints from Water Resources Department officials.
According to the Bihar Irrigation Act, 1997, and the Bihar Irrigation, Flood Management and Water Drainage Rules, 2003, Executive Engineers of the department have been designated as competent authorities to register FIRs against illegal encroachments.
Officials stated that encroachments hinder water management efforts, irrigation projects, and flood protection initiatives. Removing unauthorized structures will allow for more effective implementation of water resource projects and ensure their timely completion, improving river water management across the state.
