The government of Uttar Pradesh has ramped up its enforcement efforts along the Indo-Nepal border, targeting unregistered madrasas and religious buildings allegedly constructed without proper authorization. The operation, spanning multiple border districts, is aimed at eliminating illegal encroachments on public land and ensuring compliance with education and land use norms.
According to state authorities, joint operations are being carried out by local police and the Revenue Department. These teams are identifying structures that violate state guidelines—particularly unrecognised madrasas and religious buildings constructed on government-owned plots.
In a statement, officials emphasized that madrasas lacking official recognition or operating outside the regulated curriculum are being sealed. Additionally, mosques and other religious structures that have been built without legal sanction on public land are being dismantled as part of the drive.
“The campaign is a reflection of the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal land encroachments and unauthorized religious activities,” a senior state official said.
District-Wise Breakdown of Actions
In Shravasti district, officials confirmed the sealing of five unapproved madrasas on Thursday. Additionally, illegal mosques constructed in areas such as Bhartha and Roshan Garh in Bhinga tehsil were razed. Altogether, action has been taken against 139 structures in the district, with 41 of them being religious in nature. The sweep covers both temporary and permanent encroachments within a 15-kilometer radius of the Nepal border.
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In Balrampur, eight madrasas were issued official notices, while three unauthorized mazars were dismantled. Notices were also served for five additional mazars under scrutiny. Authorities are reviewing the status of an Eidgah reportedly built without required approvals. So far, 20 madrasas not complying with curriculum regulations have been shut down, and two more received warnings for failing to provide necessary documentation within the prescribed timeframe.
Pilibhit district also witnessed continued action, though specific figures have yet to be disclosed.
In Bahraich district, operations in Nanpara and Mihipurwa tehsils resulted in the removal of eight encroachments over two days. Authorities report that 135 illegal religious structures have been dismantled across the district so far. Some individuals voluntarily removed unauthorized structures, following prior notice.
In Siddharth Nagar, action was taken against 17 religious establishments, including 14 unregistered madrasas and three mosques. These institutions were found to be in violation of state norms concerning registration and construction legality.
The ongoing drive is part of a broader initiative by the Uttar Pradesh government to assert administrative control in border regions, curb unlawful religious constructions, and uphold regulatory compliance across the education and land sectors. Officials indicated that similar operations will continue in other sensitive areas as well.