Survey in Rajasthan to scrutinise unauthorised constructions, funding in border areas

A special survey along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan has been launched to identify unauthorised constructions and examine the source of funding behind structures located in sensitive frontier areas, officials said on Saturday.

The exercise covers all constructions within 15 kilometres of the international border and follows directions issued by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a high-level security review meeting in Bikaner last month.

Officials said that the survey, which began about a week ago, is being carried out jointly by the Border Security Force (BSF), Intelligence Bureau (IB), district administration, military intelligence and other agencies.

The exercise is scheduled to be completed by October.

Jaisalmer Collector Anupama Jorwal said all constructions and encroachments located between zero and 15 kilometres from the international border would be mapped and verified.

“The survey will identify whether structures have been built after obtaining necessary permissions and whether any construction violates prescribed norms. Detailed records are being prepared,” she said. According to the Collector, special attention is being given to properties involving substantial investment or those considered sensitive from a security perspective.

“Such cases will undergo further scrutiny to determine ownership, financial sources and the purpose of construction,” she said.

Ms. Jorwal said security agencies would assist in examining the funding pattern of projects found near the border.

“If any structure involving significant expenditure is identified, a separate inquiry will be conducted. Agencies will verify who financed it and whether there are any security concerns linked to it,” she said.

Officials said intelligence agencies, including the IB, BSF and military intelligence units, would be involved in assessing suspicious cases.

The move is part of a broader effort by the Centre to strengthen security along the international border and prevent activities that could facilitate smuggling, infiltration or other unlawful operations, the officials said.

Jaisalmer, which shares a long stretch of the India-Pakistan border, is considered one of the country’s most sensitive frontier districts because of its vast desert terrain and strategic location.

The district administration has appealed to residents of border villages to report any suspicious activity, unauthorised construction or encroachment to authorities.