The Allahabad High Court has issued strong directions to clear encroachments on public and utility lands across Uttar Pradesh within 90 days, warning that failure to act will invite both departmental and criminal proceedings against responsible officials.

Justice P.K. Giri passed the order on October 6 while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Manoj Kumar Singh, who complained that a village pond in Chauka, Chunar (Mirzapur), had been encroached upon by local residents, and no steps were taken by authorities despite formal complaints.

The court held that no encroachment is permissible on water reservoirs and instructed that such encroachments must be removed “as early as possible with heavy penalty, cost and punishment.” Emphasising the ecological importance of water bo

See Full Page