Is the Yogi Government Cracking Down on Illegal Encroachments Near the Nepal Border?

Synopsis
The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has initiated a rigorous campaign against illegal encroachments along the India-Nepal border. This operation has resulted in the demolition of numerous unauthorized structures, reinforcing the government's commitment to safeguarding public land and maintaining order in sensitive areas.
Key Takeaways
- Uttar Pradesh government targets illegal encroachments.
- Hundreds of unauthorized structures have been demolished.
- Operation covers sensitive border districts.
- Authorities emphasize the importance of reclaiming public land.
- No religious structures were affected in the demolitions.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the government led by Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh has launched a decisive initiative against unlawful encroachments in districts adjacent to the India-Nepal border, leading to the demolition of hundreds of unauthorized structures, including unrecognized religious sites.
This extensive operation, aimed at reclaiming valuable government land from illegal occupation, was conducted in border districts such as Bahraich, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, Maharajganj, and Balrampur.
The targeted anti-encroachment operation, executed between April 25 and April 27, focused on areas within a 10 to 15-kilometer radius from the Nepal border. These regions have historically witnessed a surge in illegal structures on public land, including unregistered religious establishments.
Officials indicated that this initiative is part of a larger strategy to secure sensitive border territories and restore public property.
In Bahraich, authorities uncovered 227 instances of illegal encroachment in the Nanpara tehsil, located within 10 kilometers of the international border. Previously, 63 encroachments had been removed, and during the latest operation, an additional 26 were demolished, bringing the total to 89 cleared sites.
Authorities affirmed that none of the structures removed were religious or educational in nature.
In Shravasti, decisive measures were taken against unrecognized madrasas, resulting in the closure of 17 institutions—seven in Jamunha tehsil and ten in Bhinga tehsil—due to insufficient documentation. Furthermore, numerous temporary and permanent illegal encroachments were addressed under Section 67 of the Revenue Code, with eviction and demolition orders enforced.
Strict actions were also observed in Siddharthnagar and Maharajganj districts. In Siddharthnagar’s Naugarh tehsil, illegal mosque and madrasa constructions were confirmed at five sites within a 10 km range of the border, with an additional six unauthorized structures identified in Shohratgarh tehsil. Investigations and enforcement actions are ongoing under the supervision of senior officials.
The Uttar Pradesh government has emphasized that this operation is part of a sustained effort to safeguard border regions from illegal settlements and maintain law and order.