Patna: The Patna administration is preparing for a major encroachment removal drive against houses and other structures allegedly built on government land along the Ganges in the Patna City area.
The proposed drive will cover the stretch between Bhadraghat and Kangan Ghat, where around 259 houses have been identified for removal. The administration has also sought police deployment to maintain security during the operation.
Encroachment Removal to Be Conducted in Two Phases
The administration plans to conduct the drive in two phases.
In the first phase, structures located within 30 metres, or around 100 feet, of the existing road along the Ganges will be removed.
The second phase will cover encroachments located in the remaining areas.
The action will not be limited to residential houses. Officials have identified other structures, including warehouses, garages, boundary walls, cattle sheds, brick kilns and temporary structures.
Notices Issued to 259 People
According to the administration, notices have already been issued to 259 individuals identified in the area.
Following a hearing held on August 5, the concerned individuals were directed to vacate the government land. Public announcements were also made, giving them time until August 14 to remove the structures.
With the deadline now over, preparations for the encroachment removal operation have intensified.
Police Deployment Sought for Drive
Circle officers of Patna City and Didarganj have requested the deployment of police personnel for the operation.
The administration is also making arrangements for security and other logistical requirements before launching the drive. According to the plan, the operation could begin on Wednesday.
Why Was This Area Added to Patna District?
The land along the southern bank of the Ganges in this region was previously administered by Saran and Vaishali districts.
Due to geographical and administrative difficulties in monitoring the area, the state government transferred the land to Patna district in November 2021.
As part of the transfer, around 3,212 acres from Saran and 331.5 acres from Vaishali were incorporated into Patna district. The area includes land around JP Setu, Pahleja Ghat and Kangan Ghat.
Encroachment Drives Were Conducted Earlier Too
The administration has carried out encroachment removal drives in the area in the past, during which several temporary and permanent structures were demolished.
However, the process was subsequently halted after some individuals claiming rights over the land approached the Supreme Court.
The administration has now resumed preparations for another major drive, with the focus on clearing identified encroachments and government land along the Ganges.
