Jaipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed authorities to take strict action against illegal constructions within 15 kilometres of India’s international borders, underlining the Centre’s “zero tolerance” approach to border security and cross border crime. The directive came after his review of the border situation in Rajasthan.
According to report, Shah visited the border areas of Rajasthan on Tuesday as part of a wider review of India’s frontier security. He is scheduled to inspect border regions in four states, with a visit to West Bengal expected on June 15. The Centre has already spoken about strengthening smart border systems, and the latest review is being seen as part of that broader security push.
After inspecting the Rajasthan border region, Shah held a high level meeting with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, senior state officials and the district magistrates and police superintendents of five border districts. These included Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar and Phalodi.
During the meeting, Shah reportedly instructed officials to demolish all illegal constructions located within 15 kilometres of the international border. He also stressed that the zero tolerance policy against illegal occupation and suspicious activity must be implemented firmly in border areas.
The Home Minister also called for a 360 degree security framework for every border district. The aim is to ensure better coordination between central agencies, state authorities and local administrations. Shah asked the BSF, Narcotics Control Bureau and state government machinery to work jointly against infiltration, drug trafficking, illegal encroachment and other cross border crimes.
The review also placed greater responsibility on district administrations. District magistrates have been asked to closely monitor financial and administrative activity in sensitive border regions. This includes checking whether bank transactions are following financial laws, verifying large business establishments, examining sources of money and keeping watch on mule accounts and shell companies.
Officials have also been asked to identify fake Aadhaar cards and take stricter steps to stop smuggling. The instructions indicate that the Centre wants border security to go beyond fencing and patrolling, and include financial tracking, identity verification and local intelligence.
The move is likely to have a major impact on border states, where illegal settlements, trafficking routes and suspicious financial networks are often treated as security concerns. For the Centre, the message is clear: border management will now involve stronger coordination, faster action and tighter local level monitoring.