Bihar Deputy CM Issues Stern Warning to Land Mafia, Sets March Deadline for Action
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha delivered a strong message to land mafia operatives in Bihar. He announced the state government will take decisive action against them by March this year. Sinha made this declaration during a workshop on stakeholder consultation for town planning schemes in Patna on Sunday.
Land Mafia Identified as Major Obstacle to Urban Growth
Sinha, who holds multiple portfolios including urban development, housing, revenue and land reforms, identified land mafia as a significant challenge. He stated these groups hinder Bihar's urban expansion and development. "The highest number of disputes in our state relate to land matters," Sinha explained. "People show willingness to spill even their own brother's blood over mere inches of property."
The Deputy CM emphasized the government's commitment to creating a transparent system. This system aims to reduce long-pending land disputes across Bihar. To achieve this goal, authorities introduced the Anchal Guard system across all revenue circles.
Three Types of Mafia Operating in Bihar
Sinha classified three main mafia types active within the state:
- Land Mafia: Now facing imminent government action
- Sand Mafia: Already brought under effective control
- Alcohol Mafia: Being handled by ministerial colleague Samrat Choudhary
"We began addressing land issues through comprehensive reforms and public welfare dialogues at commissioner level," Sinha noted. "Our current focus involves conducting accurate land measurements and correcting official records."
Urban Development Plans and Migration Patterns
The workshop focused extensively on town planning schemes. Sinha inaugurated the event with Patna mayor Sita Sahu in attendance. Senior officials including principal secretary of UDHD Vinay Kumar and Patna divisional commissioner Animesh Parashar also participated.
Sinha stressed the urgent need for planned urban development. He highlighted rapid migration to cities driven by employment opportunities and lifestyle aspirations. "While India's urban population has reached thirty-six percent, Bihar's stands at only about sixteen point six percent," Sinha revealed. "This disparity concerns us greatly."
The Deputy CM announced the new government's decision from its first cabinet meeting. Authorities plan to develop eleven new townships across Bihar. These will include nine at divisional headquarters plus additional locations at Sonepur and Sitamarhi.
Changing Migration Dynamics and Rural Development
Sinha observed significant changes in migration patterns over recent years. "Earlier migrations were often driven by fear of massacres and violence," he recalled. "Now rural Bihar has witnessed substantial improvements in basic infrastructure."
The Deputy CM emphasized the interconnected nature of urban and rural development. "People no longer flee villages due to problems in education, healthcare or law enforcement," Sinha stated. "Cities can truly prosper only when villages develop alongside them."
Simplified Building Regulations and Policy Updates
During the workshop, principal secretary of UDHD discussed the Bihar Town Planning Policy 2025. He announced plans to simplify building bylaws across the state. The proposed changes include provisions to replace jail terms for violations with financial penalties.
This stakeholder consultation workshop represents part of broader government efforts. Authorities aim to streamline urban planning processes while addressing systemic land-related challenges. The March deadline for action against land mafia signals increased determination to create transparent systems for property management and dispute resolution.
