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Patna | Illegal excavation by brick kiln operators in Diara, Didarganj has been going on for several years, yet the administration and Pollution Control Board remained unaware until recently. These operators have been excavating soil dangerously close to the pillars of JP Ganga Path, a crucial expressway along the Ganges River. The unchecked activity poses a significant threat to both infrastructure and the environment, raising concerns among experts and the public alike.
Despite strict regulations governing brick kiln operations near riverbanks, these businesses have been functioning without proper monitoring. Reports suggest that large amounts of soil have been extracted over the years, weakening the structural base of JP Ganga Path.
The lack of enforcement has allowed kiln operators to continue their activities without fear of consequences. Local authorities, including the district administration and the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), had no prior knowledge of these violations, raising questions about governance and oversight.
Following the exposure of the illegal excavation, Patna District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh has directed a detailed investigation. The District Mining Officer and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Patna City have been tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry and submitting a report. Officials have assured that strict action will be taken against violators.
The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) has finally acknowledged the issue and has announced that a survey will be conducted to inspect all brick kilns operating along the Ganges River. If found in violation of environmental norms, immediate legal action will be taken against the responsible operators.
Experts have raised serious concerns that years of unregulated excavation around the expressway’s pillars could result in structural instability. The continuous removal of soil from the riverbanks also disrupts the natural balance of the Ganges, leading to erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased pollution levels.
Environmentalists warn that unchecked mining in ecologically sensitive areas can have long-term, irreversible consequences. With brick kilns operating for years without scrutiny, the damage may already be severe and costly to repair.
In a belated move, the administration has urged citizens to report illegal excavation and unauthorized brick kilns. Officials have promised swift action against those who continue to operate without permits or in restricted zones.
The Bihar government has clear policies regulating brick kiln operations, but weak enforcement has allowed illegal activities to flourish. While the recent crackdown appears promising, experts remain skeptical about its effectiveness.
Without regular monitoring, strict penalties, and proactive governance, illegal excavation could resume, continuing to threaten the safety of JP Ganga Path and the environmental health of the Ganges River. The true test will be whether authorities follow through on their promises or if this issue fades into bureaucratic inaction once again.