Patna: Operation Bulldozer has started across Bihar immediately after the formation of the new government, creating fear and uncertainty in many cities. The administration has issued strict warnings against illegal road encroachments and announced that anyone found occupying public land again will face heavier fines and repeat demolition. Bulldozers have already reached major cities including Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Danapur, Lakhisarai and Bihar Sharif, where both temporary and permanent structures are being removed. Reports from various districts indicate that many shopkeepers and vendors are panicking as the campaign continues without pause.
The first major action took place in Samastipur just hours after the government was sworn in. Encroachments near Goods Warehouse Chowk, next to the railway station, were cleared in the presence of the Railway Protection Force, Railway Police and local police. Tensions rose when residents and shopkeepers confronted the authorities, asking for more time to relocate their belongings. After heated discussions, officials allowed a 10-day extension, but they made it clear that the removal process will continue and that roads must remain free from encroachments.
In Lakhisarai, the anti-encroachment campaign gained significant pace on Sunday. The demolition process was led by DM Mithilesh Mishra and SP Ajay Kumar, supported by municipal officers and police personnel. For nearly three hours, bulldozers removed tin sheds, shutters and permanent extensions that were occupying road space from Shaheed Dwar to Pachna Road. The administration stated that if the same areas are encroached again, bulldozers will return and higher penalties will be imposed without further warning.
Sitamarhi also witnessed a large-scale effort to clear the roads. The Sitamarhi Municipal Corporation and Traffic Department deployed a team that included planners, sanitation officials, police officers, a JCB machine, tractors and labourers. Illegal constructions between Gaushala Chowk and the Punaura Dham temple gate were removed, and goods worth lakhs were confiscated from vendors on the second day of the operation. During the process, fines of around Rs 9,500 were collected from individuals who had illegally occupied the roads.
Danapur and Bhagalpur reported similar activities. In Danapur, encroachments from Hathi Khana Mor to Saguna Mor were removed for the second day in a row, and a fine of Rs 4,800 was collected. In Bhagalpur, the Municipal Corporation operated across several locations including Zeromile, Sandis Compound, Station Chowk, MP Dwivedi Road and Nayabazar to Adampur, collecting fines of Rs 13,500 from violators. Officials in Bhagalpur, like in other cities, issued a final warning that anyone attempting to reclaim public land will face strict legal action.
Across Bihar, the administration is presenting this campaign as a step to ensure smooth traffic flow and reclaim public spaces for citizens. However, the drive has also led to clashes, fear and emotional outbursts among individuals who depend on roadside shops and stalls for their living. As bulldozers continue to move from one city to another, the government has sent a strong message that encroachment on public land will no longer be tolerated, and the operation will continue in the coming days.
