The BSF, the IB, district administration, military intelligence and other agencies have begun a special survey along the India‑Pakistan frontier in Rajasthan.
Key Developments
- Survey covers all structures within 15 kilometres of the international border.
- It follows the directive of Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued after a high‑level security review in Bikaner.
- The exercise started about a week ago and is slated for completion by October 2026.
- Anupama Jorwal, the Jaisalmer Collector, will map and verify every construction and encroachment from the border up to 15 km.
- Structures with large investment or security sensitivity will undergo a separate inquiry to trace ownership and funding sources.
Important Facts
1. The survey is a joint effort of BSF, IB, district administration, military intelligence and other agencies.
2. Focus is on whether constructions have the required permissions and whether they breach prescribed norms.
3. Agencies will examine the financing pattern of any high‑cost project to detect possible links to smuggling, infiltration or other unlawful activities.
4. Residents of border villages have been urged to report suspicious constructions or encroachments.
UPSC Relevance
This development touches upon several UPSC themes. It illustrates the role of internal security agencies (IB, BSF) in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers. It also highlights the administrative responsibilities of a district collector in coordinating multi‑agency operations, a key point for GS2 (Polity) and GS1 (Administration). The focus on funding sources links to the broader issue of financing illicit activities, relevant for GS3 (Economy) and GS4 (Ethics). Finally, the survey underscores the importance of border management, a recurring topic in the Indian‑Pakistan context.
Way Forward
• Continue the verification exercise and publish detailed records of verified structures.
• Strengthen coordination between security agencies and local administration for rapid response to any irregularities.
• Encourage community participation by setting up a dedicated helpline for border residents.
• Use the findings to formulate stricter guidelines on construction near sensitive borders and to curb financing channels that may aid hostile elements.
Overall, the survey aims to plug security gaps, prevent illegal encroachments, and ensure that frontier zones remain free from activities that could threaten India’s territorial integrity.