Eviction notices for illegal constructions on riverbank in Jamshedpur, administration to act decisively

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Dec 12: Sixteen individuals who have illegally constructed buildings on government land along the riverbanks in Mango Municipal Corporation area are set to receive eviction notices from the Circle Officer (CO). The notices, expected to be issued soon, will grant a 15-day period for the encroachers to voluntarily remove their structures. If they fail to comply, the administration will proceed with demolition.

The encroachments, located in Wards 9 and 10, came to light following a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT emphasized that such illegal constructions disrupt the natural flow of the river and contribute to water pollution. “The encroachments are not only obstructing the river’s flow but also degrading the quality of its water, impacting the ecosystem,” stated an official involved in the process.

Earlier, the Circle Officer conducted a detailed survey to measure the extent of encroachments, identifying 16 illegal constructions. Legal proceedings, known as JPLE cases, were subsequently initiated against the encroachers in the CO’s court. The encroachers were issued three separate notices and were asked to present land ownership documents. However, none could provide valid proof. Some presented electricity or water bills, which were deemed insufficient, confirming the illegal nature of their possession.

The administration has made it clear that any failure to remove the encroachments within the stipulated time will lead to strict action. “We are committed to restoring the riverbanks and ensuring compliance with the NGT’s orders,” the Circle Officer remarked.

The issue has drawn attention due to its broader implications for environmental conservation. The former Chief Minister and Union Minister, Arjun Munda, played a significant role in bringing the matter to the NGT’s attention. In a letter written during his tenure as Union Minister, he highlighted the rampant construction of multi-storey buildings along Jamshedpur’s riverbanks, urging immediate action.

Encroachment issues are not isolated to Mango alone. Similar operations are underway in areas like Bhuiyandih, as part of a concerted effort to address illegal constructions across Jamshedpur. The administration’s firm stance is a clear signal that protecting the environment and maintaining the integrity of public lands will remain a priority.

Encroachers are now racing against time, with the administration poised to take decisive steps to reclaim the riverbanks.