This is in continuance of our earlier orders.

Pursuant to our order dated 21.01.2022, Shri Roshan Kaushwaha, District Magistrate, Bhojpur (Ara) has filed his personal affidavit. We have gone through the same.

The District Magistrate has responded to the four issues, which we have highlighted in the following terms:-

In para-8 of the affidavit, the District Magistrate has referred to 05 religious structures, which are required to be removed, for which steps already stands taken and the work assigned for executing the work of shifting the religious structures to an Agency (TDBD) vide communication dated 13.08.2021.

We are informed that the structures could not be removed on account of intervening elections to the Panchayat in District - Bhojpur.

Orally, we are informed that the matter is to be pursued by the NHAI with the Agency.

We direct the NHAI to forthwith pursue the matter, be it with the District Administration or the Agency authorized, to remove such structures. This must positively be done forthwith Patna High Court CWJC No.8343 of 2021(7) dt.25-01-2022 4/5 and the structures removed in terms of our earlier orders expeditiously and definitely before 28.02.2022.

Insofar as other structures (none religious) are concerned, learned District Magistrate states that they shall positively be removed within next two weeks and the site handed over to NHAI.

(3) Bridge over river(s) Sone/Ganges The issue is not to be dealt by the District Administration but NHAI. Dr. K.N.Singh, learned A.S.G., under instructions, states that on or before 30th June, 2022, construction of the Bridge is complete but the approach road to the bridge would positively be completed on or before 30.06.2022 and the bridge would become fully functional.

Let an affidavit complete in all respect in this regard be filed within one week.

We are of the considered view that this work be expedited, more so, in view of onset of the monsoons, which would be some time in the middle of June, 2022. As such, under all circumstances, the approach road must be made fully operational and functional so also the bridge tested and made functional in the month of April, 2022 itself.

Let an affidavit indicating the exact status be filed Patna High Court CWJC No.8343 of 2021(7) dt.25-01-2022 5/5 within 15 days from today.

(iv) Carriage Way The District Magistrate, Bhojpur orally informs us that the carriage way is free from encroachment and possession thereof already stands handed over to the NHAI.

We see no reason as to why the work on this part should not commence immediately. NHAI shall file status report in this regard within one week.

We emphasize that the work must commence immediately, more so, in view of onset of the monsoons, which would be some time in the middle of June, 2022 and all work must be completed in the month of April, 2022.

In our order dated 21.01.2022, we had highlighted the issue of poor progress of the construction work.

Let the Chairman of the NHAI file his personal affidavit indicating the steps taken for expediting the work, which necessarily has to be completed before 17th April, 2022.

List on 01.02.2022 (Sanjay Karol, CJ) ( S. Kumar, J) Sujit/Ashwini U