Administration launches monthlong anti-encroachment drive

Patna: A monthlong multi-agency special drive to eliminate encroachments and streamline urban traffic in Patna will commence on Friday under the direct orders of Patna district magistrate (DM) Thiyagarajan S M.

Nine specialised teams have been constituted to execute the campaign until January 31, covering all six zones of the Patna Municipal Corporation — including Nutan Rajdhani, Pataliputra, Kankarbagh, Bankipore, Azimabad, and Patna City — alongside the municipal councils of Khagaul, Phulwari Sharif and Danapur Nizamat.The campaign involves officials from the police, transport, revenue, road construction, and health departments, with sub-divisional officers and sub-divisional police officers leading operations on the ground to ensure strict compliance with the schedule.The DM emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards traffic disruptions, instructing officials to issue notices under Section 162 and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to address public nuisances reported by the police. “To prevent the recurrence of illegal structures, dedicated follow-up teams will remain active in cleared areas, and the administration will mandatorily register FIRs against repeat offenders,” he said.

Monetary penalties are set at Rs 5,000 for temporary encroachments and Rs 20,000 for permanent ones, with all removals documented through videography and preceded by public announcements.Priority will be given to arterial roads and high-traffic corridors such as Nehru Path, Atal Path, Bailey Road, and areas surrounding major medical institutions, including PMCH, IGIMS, NMCH and AIIMS, to ensure unobstructed movement for ambulances and emergency services. A five-member monitoring cell comprising the traffic SP, ADM (urban management) and other senior officials will conduct daily reviews.The drive will also include plans for beautification and plantation in reclaimed spaces, alongside the removal of illegal vending and parking.