The Supreme Court has directed the Bihar government to remove all unauthorized structures and encroachments along the stretch between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat in Patna within six weeks. The bench said the matter required immediate attention after being informed that no effective steps had been taken despite earlier directions.
The order was passed in Ashok Kumar Sinha v. Union of India & Ors., a long-pending civil appeal concerning environmental protection and encroachments along riverbanks. During the hearing, the Court also reviewed reports from different States on issues affecting rivers and noted that Bihar had yet to remove encroachments on the identified stretch of the Ganga.
The bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan expressed concern over the continued inaction. Referring to the record, the bench observed, "We are informed that till this date, no steps have been taken to remove the encroachments." It further directed that "Any laxity in this regard will be viewed strictly."
The Court also granted the Union one final opportunity to collect complete information from all States, warning that Chief Secretaries could be summoned if the required details were not furnished.
The Supreme Court directed the State of Bihar to remove every unauthorized structure and encroachment between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat within six weeks. It ordered a competent authority to file a compliance affidavit before the next hearing and clarified that the directions must be implemented irrespective of any interim orders passed by other courts. The matter has been listed for September 23, 2026.
Case Title: Ashok Kumar Sinha v. Union of India & Ors.
Case Number: Civil Appeal No. 3367 of 2020
Judge: Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan
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