Ban on Construction Along National Highways in Bihar; No Homes or Shops Allowed Within a 15-Meter Radius
Patna: The Bihar government is set to implement a strict policy to keep National Highways (NH) passing through the state free from encroachment and to facilitate future road expansion. The Road Construction Department has prepared a proposal under which any kind of construction activity will be strictly prohibited within a 15-meter radius on both sides of the highways.
'No Construction Zone': Once this policy is implemented, land within a 15-meter distance from both edges of National Highways will be designated as a "No Construction Zone."
Permitted Activities: Only specific activities, such as building access paths, planting trees, or farming, will be allowed within this 15-meter radius. Building houses, shops, or any permanent structures will be strictly prohibited.
Rural and Urban Areas: This new rule will apply equally to private lands along all National Highways in the state, whether they are in rural or urban areas.
Objective: Often, unplanned construction (ribbon development) along highways increases traffic congestion and creates significant difficulties in land acquisition during future road-widening projects. This policy will effectively control these issues.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Road Safety | Reduction in accidents due to the curb on unplanned construction along highways. |
| Development Projects | Road widening projects will be completed more efficiently and quickly. |
| Impact on Citizens | Landowners along highways will be required to leave a 15-meter 'setback' before constructing anything. |
| Administrative Control | Removing encroachments will become easier as these areas will be protected under government notification. |
This proposal is a major step toward modernizing and organizing Bihar's road infrastructure. According to government sources, the policy will soon be sent to the cabinet for approval. Once implemented, this rule will pave the way for developing an organized 'green corridor' along the state's road network.
