Property dealer builds illegal bridge on river in Bihar's Purnea to increase rates of his lands

Authorities in Bihar's Purnea district have ordered the demolition of an illegally constructed bridge over the Kari Koshi River. Officials allege that real estate brokers built the bridge to increase the value of adjacent land in which they had stakes, a PTI report stated.

Civic Body Unaware of Construction

Speaking to PTI, Purnea Municipal Commissioner Kumar Mangalam said, "A 60 feet by 10 feet bridge has been constructed on Kari Koshi River in ward number 4 in Rahmat Nagar area of Purnea town by private persons without the consent of the civic body."

He added, "The area is under the jurisdiction of the Purnea Municipal Corporation (PMC). We have sought a clarification from the Water Resources Department as well."

Officials Face Resistance

The municipal commissioner stated that the bridge was built without the knowledge of the PMC. A team of officials visited the site on Thursday to take action but faced resistance.

"But people with vested interests provoked locals who objected and prevented the PMC officials from taking further action. We will certainly take action as per the existing law," he said.

Possible Land Mafia Involvement

The commissioner did not rule out the involvement of the land mafia and real estate brokers. However, locals have not disclosed the identities of those behind the construction.

Similar Incident in Muzaffarpur

This is not the first such incident in Bihar. Earlier, a bridge without approach roads was constructed over the Burhi Gandak River in Muzaffarpur district. Photographs of the bridge went viral on social media, drawing public attention.

Authorities continue to investigate the matter while ensuring that unauthorized constructions do not disrupt civic planning.