Patna: A joint review of development and security operations along Bihar’s India–Nepal border districts has reported large-scale removal of encroachments, seizures of counterfeit currency, and expanded infrastructure work under the Centre’s “Vibrant Villages Programme”.
The review, chaired by Bihar’s chief secretary, Pratyaya Amrit, included district magistrates from East Champaran, West Champaran, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Kishanganj, Supaul and Araria, who presented updates on enforcement and development activities in their respective regions.
Officials said an ongoing drive to clear illegal encroachments from “no man’s land” and areas within 15km of the international border has made significant progress. In Madhubani, all 186 identified illegal structures have been demolished, while Kishanganj has cleared 34 encroachments in the past month. In West Champaran, 261 of 272 identified encroachments have been removed, with remaining cases under coordination with Nepalese authorities.
The administration also highlighted intensified action against cross-border crime, particularly counterfeit currency networks. In East Champaran, police arrested 10 people allegedly found with 18,500 Indian rupees and 2.5 million Nepali rupees in fake notes. In Sitamarhi, authorities recovered counterfeit currency worth 4.9 million Nepali rupees and 20,100 Indian rupees.
Cybercrime units in Sitamarhi also reported facilitating refunds of more than Rs 11.66 lakh in January alone. Separate operations in Madhubani and Araria led to arrests linked to interstate gangs accused of producing fake identity and Aadhaar cards.
Border infrastructure monitoring has also been stepped up using joint surveys and modern mapping tools. Officials said 1,237 border pillars in East Champaran and 358 in Madhubani are under regular inspection. Repair work for damaged pillars has been completed in Supaul, while teams in Kishanganj and Sitamarhi continue restoration efforts.
Security agencies said surveillance has been increased to prevent illegal infiltration, with arrests reported involving foreign nationals from countries including Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, China and the United States.
Under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II, hundreds of border villages have been selected for development interventions. In Madhubani, detailed project reports are being prepared for 253 schemes across 36 villages, with 250 additional villages recently added by the central government.
In Sitamarhi, infrastructure projects including digital libraries and model farms are being developed in four blocks at a cost of Rs 24.66 crore. Kishanganj has been allocated Rs 112.53 crore under the programme.
Officials also said special emphasis is being placed on agricultural diversification and value addition, including processing of crops such as dragon fruit, pineapple and tea in the border regions.
