BSF Launches 'Operation Sard Hawa' to Secure Borders Ahead of Republic Day

Officials in the BSF told ANI that the operation would be launched at an appropriate time scheduled next month and would continued till the end of January with a focus on strengthening security along the border during this critical period ahead of Republic Day celebrations.

Speaking to ANI on condition of anonymity, an official posted in Jammu said the primary objective of Operation 'Sard Hawa' is to prevent infiltration attempts, as dense fog and mist during the winter season create favourable conditions for such activities.

"Heightened security measures are adopted with increased vigilance and patrolling along the India-Pakistan border during 'Operation Sard Hawa'," the official said.

Another officer in Kashmir frontier said "radar-based and sensor-based equipment with some modern gadgets and advanced surveillance equipment included in the BSF armory has been increased for enhanced surveillance and monitoring along the LoC to ensure fullproof security, while drone-based surveillance has been significantly stepped up considering the gravity of the situation."

"Specialised drone commandos and drone warriors, along with BSF's 'Durga Wahini' units, are also to be the part of deployed to strengthen aerial reconnaissance during the operation taking cognisance of reported intelligence input regarding infiltration attempts from across the border during this period," said the officer.

An officer from Rajasthan frontier also said that Commanders have been directed to ensure seamless communication, conduct regular drills, and put in place robust contingency plans to effectively respond to any emerging threat scenarios.

Operation 'Sard Hawa' is an annual winter security exercise undertaken by the BSF along the India-Pakistan frontier in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, covering challenging stretches of the Kashmir sector, key security posts in Jammu, and the Thar Desert-- including critical portions of the International Boundary (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).

The operation aims to detect infiltration, smuggling, and illegal cross-border movement during dense fog by intensifying surveillance, deploying additional personnel, and leveraging advanced technologies such as thermal imaging systems. It is typically conducted in January, around Republic Day, and runs in parallel with the summer counter-infiltration drive known as Operation Garam Hawa (Hot Wind).

The operation strengthens border vigilance through the deployment of ultra-modern weaponry, sophisticated surveillance tools, and intensified patrols using vehicles and camels across hard-to-reach terrain. Officers and personnel, including those from headquarters, are positioned close to the border fencing to ensure round-the-clock monitoring.

The BSF's intelligence wing works in close coordination with other agencies to keep a constant watch on suspicious movements. The key aims of the exercise are to reinforce border security, increase troop presence, enhance surveillance capabilities, and maintain day-and-night operational dominance along the frontier.

- ANI