Once border fencing is completed in Bengal, technological surveillance will secure remaining gaps: HM Shah
Bhuj, May 29
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Centre had begun accelerating border fencing work in West Bengal after the newly-formed Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state granted in-principle approval for the transfer of land required for the project.
Addressing Border Security Force (BSF) personnel during an interaction at Border Outpost G7 in Gujarat's Bhuj, HM Shah described incomplete fencing along the India-Bangladesh border in Bengal as one of the "biggest weaknesses" in India's border security grid.
"The biggest weakness in our security grid was the incomplete border fencing in Bengal," Shah said.
He said geographical challenges in some stretches could not be altered, but fencing work had remained incomplete even in areas where land was available because the required space had not been given earlier.
"We cannot change geographical conditions. But even where fencing could be constructed on available land, we had not received the land till now," he said.
Referring to the recent political change in the state, HM Shah said the new BJP government in West Bengal had moved quickly on the issue after assuming office.
"Just a few days ago, with the blessings of the people of Bengal, a BJP government was formed there in a completely democratic manner, and within one week the Chief Minister gave in-principle approval to provide all land required for fencing," he said.
According to him, work on transferring portions of the land had already begun. "Once this fencing is completed, we will succeed in stopping infiltration on a very large scale," the Home Minister said.
He added that after physical fencing was completed, forests, rivers and streams would remain the only vulnerable stretches, and the government was simultaneously working on technological fencing systems for such terrain.
"Then only forests, rivers and streams will remain as possible routes, and we are simultaneously working at great speed on technological fencing for those areas as well," he said.
The Home Minister said the government was integrating technology-based surveillance systems with conventional border management to strengthen security along both the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders.
During the interaction, HM Shah also outlined the Centre's 'Smart Border Security Project', which includes the use of drones, radars, watch towers and other modern surveillance systems.
The Home Minister was in Bhuj as part of his visit to review security infrastructure and operational preparedness in the Sir Creek and Harami Nala sectors along the India-Pakistan border.
— IANS
Reader Comments
About time! The incomplete fencing was a joke for years. But I'm skeptical about 'technological fencing' - we hear these promises every few years and nothing happens. Let's see if they actually deliver this time. Also, what about the poor border villagers whose lands are being taken?
As a former CRPF officer, I can tell you that fencing alone isn't enough. We need proper patrols, community engagement, and intelligence sharing with Bangladesh. But yes, this is a positive move. The 'Smart Border Security Project' with drones sounds promising. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Finally some action! I live near the Bengal border and we've seen too many illegal crossings. But I'm concerned about the environmental impact on forests and rivers. Hope they don't damage the Sundarbans ecosystem while fencing. Balance between security and ecology is needed.
Great to see the Centre taking border security seriously! The previous Bengal government had dragged its feet for years. This will help stop illegal immigration and also curb cattle smuggling. But we need transparency on land acquisition - farmers shouldn't suffer. 👍
I'm from Bengal and I support this, but why is it only happening now? The BSF has been struggling with incomplete fencing for decades. Also, what about the human cost? Many families live on both sides of the border. We need a humanitarian approach along with security.
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