A single bench at the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ordered the demolition of all illegal constructions, including eateries, that have come up on the banks of the Teesta river in Jalpaiguri to prevent crowding.

Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, who had taken suo motu cognisance of crowding in eateries on the banks, particularly because of the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases, held a hearing on Tuesday. The assistant solicitor general of the central government and the additional public prosecutor of the circuit bench were present.

In his order, Justice Bharadwaj stated there were encroachments along the right bank of the river and on its bed. The area is close to the residences of judges, and among encroachments are a number of restaurants and pubs.

“The court stated that every evening, more than 500 people assemble in these places for refreshment. This is also affecting the biodiversity of the river were as many as 72 different species of birds can be sighted. Covid-19 safety protocols are not being maintained and such gatherings can cause serious health hazards,” said a source.

In his order, the judge said the state should take appropriate steps and the district magistrate and the superintendent of police of Jalpaiguri should demolish illegal constructions on the Teesta riverbed and near the residential building of the judges.

“The order has to be followed within 24 hours and tomorrow (Wednesday), the DM and the SP and other state government officials have been asked to file their reports before court,” said Aditishankar Chakraborty, the additional public prosecutor of the circuit bench.

DM Moumita Godara said they had received the order and would take appropriate steps.