"Remove Waterbody Encroachments In 14 Districts In 4 Weeks, Satisfied With Steps Taken So Far": Patna HC To Authorities

The Patna High Court has directed the circle officers (COs) of Patna, Magadh, and Saran divisions (having control of over 14 districts) to remove waterbodies encroachments in their respective areas within 4 weeks.

The 14 districts concerned are Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Buxar, Kaimur, Gaya, Nawada, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Arwal, Saran, Siwan, and Gopalganj.

Taking into account the statements made on the record by the Circle Officers of all the 14 districts pertaining to the steps taken by them to remove the encroachment, the bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Partha Sarthy, however, expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by them till now. 

However, the Court did caution the Circle Officers that the Court would not hesitate in initiating proceedings, should the need so arise, if it is found that the affidavit filed is contrary to the factual position at the ground level

The bench issued this order while dealing with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea filed by one Ram Puneet Choudhary.

During the course of the hearing, the High Court interacted with the Circle Officers and perused the status report/chart submitted by them showing the work done so far. Satisfied with the efforts of such COs, the Court asked them to make sure that the remaining encroachments are removed within a period of 4 weeks.

The Court also asked them to file the affidavit of compliance, complete in all respect, within four weeks. Further, the Court directed the concerned District Magistrates to personally monitor the operations of making the water bodies free from encroachments.

Also, the Senior Superintendents of the Police concerned have been asked to provide police force if officers make any request in that regard.

Case title - Ram Punit Choudhary vs. The State Of Bihar and Ors [Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No.9692 of 2015]

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