Operation Clean intensifies along India-Pakistan border; illegal encroachments removed in Jaisalmer and Barmer

JAISALMER: Under the Centre's "Operation Clean" initiative aimed at strengthening security arrangements along the India-Pakistan international border, a large-scale drive against illegal constructions and encroachments has been launched in the border districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer.Joint teams of the district administration and police have intensified surveys in sensitive border areas while simultaneously taking action against unauthorized structures and encroachments.As part of the campaign, illegal constructions were removed in the Ramsar and Gadraroad regions of Barmer district, while two encroachments were demolished in the Nachna area of Jaisalmer district.In a separate major action, the Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) in Jaisalmer freed nearly 500 bighas of government land worth crores of rupees from encroachment near Hamira village, around 20km from the district headquarters.According to officials in Barmer, unauthorized constructions on government and agricultural land in sensitive border areas had been identified during surveys.Notices were issued to the concerned individuals, and action was initiated only after completing the due hearing process. As part of this exercise, certain religious structures in Siyai and Mekranwala villages of Ramsar subdivision were removed on Saturday evening.

Officials stated that unplanned constructions in border regions can obstruct patrolling and surveillance activities carried out by security agencies.Consequently, land use and construction activities within the border belt are being closely reviewed in accordance with directives issued by the Central Government. Joint teams comprising police, administration, and other departments have been deployed to ensure law and order during the operations.The administration emphasized that the campaign is not targeted at any particular community or group. Its objective is to ensure strict compliance with security norms in border areas and to regulate land management according to established rules.Meanwhile, under Operation Clean, all illegal constructions and encroachments falling within a 50-kilometre radius of the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer district are being identified and removed.On Saturday, two unauthorized structures were demolished in Nachna town, including encroachments in Gram Panchayat Shekhon Ka Tala at Chak Abadi 1 Kemran Minor and Chak 1-3 BTSM. Earlier, an illegal construction at Kalro Ki Dhani in Shekhon Ka Tala Panchayat had also been removed.In another significant operation, the Jaisalmer Urban Improvement Trust (UIT), with the assistance of police and administrative authorities, reclaimed approximately 500 bighas of valuable government land in Hamira village.Permanent and temporary structures, boundary walls, and water reservoirs built for agricultural purposes were demolished during the drive.UIT Secretary Sukharam Pindel stated that land mafias had been attempting to encroach upon the valuable government property for a long time. Despite repeated warnings and notices issued by the administration, the occupants failed to vacate the land, compelling authorities to carry out demolition with police assistance.He said the action has helped safeguard government property worth crores of rupees and marks the second major anti-encroachment drive undertaken by UIT this month.The operation has sent a strong message to encroachers.Pindel further said that the anti-encroachment campaign will continue in the coming days. Those who fail to remove illegal occupations voluntarily will face forced eviction, and the entire cost incurred during the removal process will be recovered from the encroachers.Officials have appealed to the public not to invest money in government land or undertake any construction on such land under the influence of misleading claims or promises made by others.Citizens have been advised to verify land ownership and legal status before making any investment or construction-related decisions.