Supreme Court orders Bihar to clear Ganga encroachments in Patna within six weeks
The Supreme Court has directed the Bihar government to remove all unauthorised structures along the Ganga river in Patna within six weeks, specifically between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat. The order was passed by a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan on July 21, noting that previous directives to clear encroachments have not been followed.
The court sought a compliance report from a competent authority by the next hearing, warning that any laxity would be viewed strictly. The case originated from an appeal by Ashok Kumar Sinha, filed through Advocate Akash Vashishtha, challenging a June 20, 2020 judgment of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that had dismissed his plea against encroachments along the river stretch.
Vashishtha highlighted that in 2023, 213 encroachments were identified on the stretch between Digha Ghat and Nauzar Ghat. However, the court noted that no steps had been taken to remove them despite earlier orders. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 23, 2026.
