Bihar Government Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Hoardings Across State

The Bihar government has initiated a comprehensive statewide drive to curb unauthorized advertisements and plug revenue leaks, acting against over 11,000 violations across 264 municipal bodies in all 38 districts. The crackdown has already recovered nearly Rs 20 lakh in fines so far this year, with enforcement efforts intensifying to ensure lasting compliance and improve urban aesthetics.

Deputy CM Issues Stern Warning to Violators

Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development and Housing Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha issued a strong warning on Saturday, stating that those diverting government revenue through illegal hoardings will be treated as economic offenders. He emphasized that the department is developing a comprehensive plan to eliminate this recurring tactic and prevent future violations. The initiative aims not only to enhance city beautification but also to ensure smoother traffic flow and bolster public safety across Bihar.

Patna Leads with Aggressive Enforcement Actions

Patna has witnessed one of the most robust implementations of the drive, with more than 200 illegal hoardings removed within the municipal corporation limits. Notices have been served for over 250 additional violations, demonstrating the government's commitment to thorough enforcement. To ensure full coverage, operations in heavily crowded areas are being conducted even at night, highlighting the round-the-clock dedication to this campaign.

Detailed breakdown of Patna's enforcement efforts includes:

New Capital circle: 51 hoardings removed, 100 notices issued
Patliputra circle: 59 hoardings cleared, 22 notices served
Kankarbagh circle: 23 hoardings taken down, 89 notices issued
Azimabad: 38 hoardings removed, 33 notices served
Patna City: 15 hoardings dismantled, 44 notices issued
Bankipur: 26 hoardings removed, 21 notices served

This brings the total in Patna to 212 hoardings removed and 309 notices issued so far, with ongoing operations expected to increase these numbers significantly.

Revenue Recovery and Legal Actions Intensify

The Patna Municipal Corporation has taken stern action while simultaneously pushing for substantial revenue recovery. Notices have been issued to 54 advertising agencies that collectively owe Rs 107.12 crore in advertisement-related dues. These agencies have been directed to clear their outstanding amounts without delay, with warnings that failure to comply will lead to legal action under the Public Demands Recovery Act and potential blacklisting from future government contracts.

Deputy CM Sinha reiterated that the enforcement covers all unauthorized advertisements placed without permission on various surfaces, including:

Public spaces and roadsides
Electricity poles and government properties
Private buildings, rooftops, and walls

Scientific surveys are being utilized to guide the targeted removal of uni-poles and hoardings at identified sites, ensuring a methodical approach to the cleanup operation.

Statewide Operations Yield Significant Results

The crackdown extends beyond Patna, with notable achievements reported from various districts across Bihar:

Bhagalpur: FIRs lodged against 10 establishments linked to illegal hoardings, leading to recovery of over Rs 19 lakh in penalties
Darbhanga: Enforcement team removed unauthorized hoardings and seized associated materials
Muzaffarpur: Authorities dismantled approximately 55 illegal hoardings
Begusarai: Seven hoardings removed and notices served to 71 others

The operation continues across Bihar against all remaining violations, with municipal bodies coordinating efforts to ensure no area is overlooked. In a positive development toward regulated advertising, Katihar Municipal Corporation has signed a contract worth around Rs 25.75 lakh with a contractor for hoarding permissions for the 2025–26 financial year, setting a precedent for structured revenue generation.

This statewide drive represents a significant step toward urban governance reform in Bihar, combining enforcement with revenue recovery to create sustainable solutions for city management and public space utilization.