Illegal occupation of Bihar State Housing Board properties in Patna has escalated, with more than 750 flats found to be under unauthorised possession across different parts of the city. In response, the Bihar State Housing Board has issued a final warning to all illegal occupants.
According to Housing Board officials, many of the occupied flats are being used by individuals whose allotments have been cancelled, while in several cases the flats were never allotted at all. Despite this, occupants have been residing in these units for years, resulting in substantial revenue losses for the Board.
The inquiry has also revealed that in several residential complexes, illegally occupied flats have been rented out, which constitutes a direct violation of regulations. In some locations, unauthorised occupants have carried out structural modifications to the flats, raising concerns over building safety.
The Housing Board has stated that legal action will be initiated against those who fail to vacate the flats within the stipulated deadline. Measures outlined include disconnection of electricity and water connections, registration of police complaints, and eviction with the assistance of police forces.
The Board has further said that illegal occupation is preventing genuine beneficiaries from receiving housing. The objective of Housing Board schemes is to provide affordable homes to middle- and lower-income groups, but this objective is being affected due to unauthorised possession.
Housing Board projects in areas such as Kankarbagh, Rajendra Nagar, Lohariya Nagar, Bailey Road, and other parts of Patna have reported a continuous increase in illegal occupation. The Board has prepared a list of all affected residential complexes and has initiated the process for action.
Officials have described this as the final opportunity for occupants to comply, stating that no concessions will be granted after the warning period. The Board has said its aim is to remove all illegal occupants at the earliest and hand over the flats to lawful allottees.
The Housing Board has indicated that if flats are not vacated within the prescribed timeframe, a large-scale eviction drive may be launched in the coming days.
