The ‘Operation Clean’ initiative, supported by the Centre, has expanded its coverage from a 15-km to a 50-km radius along the India-Pakistan International Border. This expansion brings 102 villages and hamlets under increased scrutiny, focusing on identifying unauthorized and suspicious permanent structures. Buildings found to be erected without proper approvals or using fake documents may face demolition.
Authorities are now also concentrating on financial transactions in the border areas, with banks instructed to ensure transparency and strict regulatory compliance. This move comes as security agencies intensify efforts to combat infiltration, smuggling, and illegal funding networks. The decision to broaden the scope of ‘Operation Clean’ follows directives from the Centre to enhance security along the India-Pakistan International Border.
Acting on instructions from the Home Department, authorities have extended the surveillance zone to 50 km from the international border. Bikaner Collector Anupama Jorwal mentioned that 102 border villages and hamlets are now part of the expanded operation, with joint teams conducting thorough field surveys. The administration, in collaboration with security agencies, is surveying unauthorized structures to uncover illegal settlements and activities associated with cross-border smuggling near the Pakistan border.
The comprehensive survey report resulting from these efforts will soon be submitted to the Union Home Ministry. The decision to widen the operation’s reach was made following a recent border security review meeting in Bikaner and discussions under the Vibrant Village Programme. The campaign, initially confined to a 15-km zone, now encompasses a larger area, subjecting more villages, hamlets, and settlements to scrutiny.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly initiated ‘Operation Clean’ during his interaction with district collectors of border districts in Bikaner. Joint teams involving the Border Security Force (BSF), Intelligence Bureau (IB), district administration, and revenue officials have been mobilized for this operation. Rajasthan police chief Rajeev Sharma highlighted the focus on developing border villages under the Vibrant Village Programme to foster connections with locals and address various security concerns effectively.
Authorities are set to conduct a detailed verification of all 102 identified villages and hamlets along the International Border. Structures found to be built without proper approvals or based on forged documents may be subject to demolition. The operation has also been expanded to scrutinize financial transactions in border areas, with banks instructed to maintain transparency and adhere strictly to regulatory norms. Security and intelligence agencies are delving into cases involving forged land records, fake Aadhaar cards, and counterfeit identity documents to dismantle cross-border networks engaged in illegal activities.
