Patna: The Patna district administration, in coordination with Patna Police and the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), conducted a significant anti-encroachment operation in the Kurji area on Friday. The drive resulted in the reclamation of approximately one bigha of land along the Ganga riverfront. Acting on the directives of Patna District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M, authorities demolished unauthorized showrooms and service centers associated with two prominent car manufacturers.
Details of the Operation
The demolished structures were situated between Ganga Path gates 61 and 63. They were found to be in violation of building bylaws, as well as directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court. These regulations prohibit construction on unsurveyed floodplains, where private land claims are legally invalid.
The operation commenced at 6 a.m. and was overseen by three senior magistrates. Approximately 10 magistrates, municipal officials, and nearly 100 police personnel, including women constables, were deployed for the drive. Authorities utilized six earthmovers, one crane, and a vibrator machine to demolish the structures and clear debris.
Ongoing Anti-Encroachment Campaign
The District Magistrate emphasized that clearing encroachments along the riverfront is essential to protect public land and facilitate infrastructure projects. This drive is part of a broader citywide anti-encroachment campaign. In Buddha Colony, the PMC has been clearing land for the proposed Ekta Mall near BD Public School, where 30 houses and five cattle sheds have already been removed.
Friday marked the 18th consecutive day of the multi-agency drive in May. During this period, authorities removed temporary encroachments such as kiosks and banners from areas including Kankarbagh, Bankipore, and Danapur. Officials also seized unauthorized materials and imposed fines on violators, collecting Rs 1,45,400 on Friday alone.
Preventive Measures
Officials stated that follow-up teams are monitoring cleared sites to prevent re-encroachment. The administration has mandated the filing of FIRs against repeat offenders to deter future violations. To ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent fresh encroachments, the Additional District Magistrate (Urban Administration) has been instructed to conduct regular clearance operations through the city’s Integrated Urban Management Unit.
