Amit Shah Orders Demolition of Illegal Structures Within 15 Km of International Border
District administrations in Rajasthan border areas directed to crack down on illegal constructions, terror financing, cybercrime and smuggling networks
NEW DELHI, May 27: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed authorities to launch strict action against unauthorized constructions located within 15 kilometres of the country’s international borders, emphasizing a firm security-oriented approach to safeguard sensitive frontier regions.
The directions were issued during a high-level security review meeting held in Bikaner, where the Home Minister assessed the law and order situation and border management challenges in Rajasthan’s districts adjoining the India-Pakistan border.
Senior officials, including Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, administrative officers, district magistrates and police chiefs from Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar and Phalodi attended the meeting.
Officials said the Ministry of Home Affairs has expanded the responsibilities of district administrations to tighten monitoring of suspicious financial activities and illegal operations in border regions. Authorities have been directed to scrutinize high-value banking transactions, identify fake business entities, trace mule accounts and verify sources of funding linked to commercial establishments operating near border zones.
The Home Minister also stressed stronger action against forged identity documents, including fake Aadhaar cards, and called for intensified efforts to curb smuggling and infiltration activities along the international frontier.
During the meeting, Shah emphasized the need for an integrated security mechanism involving local residents, civil administration, intelligence agencies and border security forces. He asked officials to prepare long-term strategies to dismantle criminal and narcotics networks operating in border districts.
According to officials, the government wants border districts to conduct detailed studies on the routes, methods and financial systems used by smuggling syndicates and drug traffickers so that permanent preventive mechanisms can be developed.
The meeting also focused on strengthening coordination among the Border Security Force, Narcotics Control Bureau, Central Board of Direct Taxes and state agencies to tackle illegal encroachments, terror funding and trans-border criminal activities.
Officials said special emphasis was placed on effective implementation of the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme aimed at improving infrastructure, governance and economic opportunities in remote border settlements. The Centre believes better connectivity and development in frontier villages are essential for national security and social stability.
Shah additionally instructed authorities to ensure complete implementation of welfare schemes in border villages and directed district officials to increase public awareness regarding the ‘1930’ cybercrime helpline to combat online fraud and digital financial crimes.
The Home Ministry has sought measurable progress on all directives and announced that the performance of border districts will be reviewed again after two months. Officials indicated that districts failing to show visible results may face stricter accountability measures.
