Patna: The road construction department has sent a request to Patna divisional commissioner to remove encroachment beneath the flyovers in Patna.

Road construction department minister Nand Kishore Yadav shared the information during the question hour in the state Legislative Council.

Replying to a question raised by CPI MLC Kedar Nath Pandey in the pre-lunch session of the Upper House, Yadav said a request had been made to the divisional commissioner for looking into the encroachments under the flyovers in Patna.

In this question, Pandey wanted to know from the government that was it not a fact that areas under flyovers remain encroached and whether the government wanted to make these structures encroachment free.

After listening to the minister's response, Pandey stated that the encroachment had denied the purpose of using the space beneath the flyovers as those were supposed to be used for providing parking space.

At this juncture, the RCD minister replied that at many places free parking space was being provided under the flyovers. "We cannot remove the encroachment on our own and remain in touch with the district administration for addressing the encroachment issue," added the minister.

Subodh Rai of RJD, too, joined the issue and drew the government's attention towards the encroachment beneath Chitkohra flyover and said several houses had been constructed under the flyover. Rai said encroachers are indulging in illegal activities such as liquor sale.

Rangshala work query

Building construction minister Maheshwar Hazari on Monday said he would get the quality of the ongoing renovation work at Premchand Rangshala checked by department principal secretary. The Rangshala is one of the important theatres of the capital town and several plays were staged at this facility during theatre Olympics held earlier this year.

The minister came up with the reply while answering a question raised by JDU MLC C.P. Sinha in which he claimed that the quality of material being used in renovating the stage was of poor quality.

First, the minister said quality work was being done at the theatre but when the members pressed for an inquiry, Council vice-chairman Harun Rashid directed the minister to get the matter inquired by some senior official of the department.