Court warns of strict action if Bihar delays removal of riverbank illegal occupations

In a stern pronouncement, the Supreme Court cautioned the Bihar government that any laxity in executing its order to clear illegal encroachments along the Ganga will attract rigorous legal action. The directive covers the stretch from Nawajhar Ghat to Noorpur Ghat in Patna and sets a six‑week completion target.

The apex court required a senior officer to file an affidavit outlining the exact measures being taken, and to produce a detailed progress report at the next hearing. The court made it clear that the deadline is final and that neglecting it will be considered a violation of the court's authority.

Even if a higher court has previously imposed a stay on demolition activities, the Supreme Court asserted that its command will prevail. The state must therefore proceed with the removal regardless of any interim injunctions.

The judgment also extended a final notice to all states to disclose information on Ganga‑bank encroachments. Failure to provide the requested data could result in the chief secretaries being directly summoned before the Supreme Court.