Bihar CM reviews India-Nepal border security, pushes for strong surveillance
Patna, May 19
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday chaired two high-level meetings at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, focusing on India-Nepal border management and the expansion of civil aviation infrastructure in the state.
At a review meeting held at the 'Samvad' auditorium, the Chief Minister assessed security arrangements along the India-Nepal border, describing it as a highly sensitive zone.
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit informed that a high-level meeting on border security had earlier been held on February 26-27 under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and presented a compliance report on directives issued during that meeting.
Emphasising strict implementation, the Chief Minister directed officials to strengthen surveillance and security infrastructure along the border, use advanced technology for monitoring activities, maintain heightened vigilance against suspicious movements, crack down on narcotics trafficking and counterfeit currency, and smuggling.
He made it clear that no laxity would be tolerated and called for robust enforcement against all illegal activities in border areas.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and other senior officials were present during the meeting.
In a separate meeting at the 'Sankalp' auditorium, CM Choudhary reviewed aviation projects with officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Bihar's Civil Aviation Department.
A detailed presentation by department secretary Nilesh Ramchandra Deore highlighted key initiatives, including airport modernisation, expansion of air connectivity, strengthening security infrastructure, and implementation of the UDAN Scheme.
Senior official Samir Kumar Sinha provided inputs on runway expansion and capacity enhancement at Patna Airport.
Some of the key proposals discussed included runway expansion and capacity enhancement of Patna Airport, granting international status to Darbhanga Airport, Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport project, permanent civil enclave at Purnea Airport, development of airports in Muzaffarpur, Valmikinagar, Saharsa, and Birpur, upgradation of Forbesganj Airport, and inclusion of more airports under the UDAN scheme.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Bihar's aviation sector is growing rapidly and outlined an ambitious goal to increase air connectivity tenfold within the next five years.
"We are preparing a roadmap to connect all districts through air services. Bihar must emerge as a regional aviation hub in eastern India," he said.
He directed officials to expedite work on Patna Airport expansion and assured full cooperation with the central government.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great initiative but what about the people living in border areas? Many families have relatives on both sides. Stringent checks will affect their daily lives. Need a balanced approach that ensures security without harassing common citizens. 😕
Finally some attention to Bihar's aviation! Patna airport is a nightmare - overcrowded, tiny terminal, flights always delayed. Runway expansion and international status for Darbhanga will be game changers. Chief Minister says 10x connectivity in 5 years... ambitious but let's see. ✈️
Both meetings touch critical areas - border security and connectivity. But I wonder if the focus on aviation will overshadow the need for better roads and railways? Not everyone can afford flights. And border security should involve community engagement too, not just tech and enforcement.
Border security is no joke - fake currency and drugs coming from across the border is a real problem. But why is the CM taking credit when this is Home Ministry's job? Also, UDAN scheme is good but airports in small towns need airlines to actually operate flights. Ground reality is different. 🤔
As someone from Bihar, this is encouraging. Patna airport desperately needs expansion - it's embarrassing when smaller cities have better airports. The Darbhanga international status is long overdue. Border security is important but let's also remember Nepal is our oldest friend, not an enemy. 🕊️
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