Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding encroachments on parts of river Odhani, Banka district, Bihar, 18/04/2024
Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of Ramroop Rana Vs The Principal Secretary, Water Resource Department, Patna & Others dated 18/04/2024.
Ramroop Rana, a resident of Shiv Mandir Chowk, Vijaynagar, district Banka, Bihar alleged illegal encroachments by land mafia on parts of river Odhani in Banka by filling it with earth and changing its status. It was also alleged that many parts of the river and drains were filled up and land so acquired was sold.
From the documents filed, the court noted that a kachha road was being constructed on the edge of the Odhani river - encroaching into the river without any permission of the authorities. The court expressed surprise that inspite of the findings noted by the District Magistrate, Banka no criminal proceedings have been initiated against the violators who have poured soil to the edge of the river causing damage to the environment.
The court directed the District Magistrate, Banka to take appropriate action against the violators in accordance with law. The Bihar State Pollution Control Board as well as the District Magistrate, Banka, should also determine the Environmental Compensation against the violators and recover the same in accordance with law.