Agartala : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Centre will launch pilot projects for a “smart border” system at seven to eight locations across the country next year, aimed at strengthening border security through technology-driven surveillance and greater integration with local administration.
Addressing Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Border Outpost (BOP) Lankamura under the 42nd Battalion of the BSF in Tripura, Shah said the concept of smart borders is currently being finalised and will be implemented across border areas guarded by the BSF and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
“We have decided that wherever BSF and SSB are deployed for border guarding duties, smart borders will be established. A four-corner security grid integrating technology, local administration and the dedicated service of BSF personnel will be put in place to make the borders impenetrable,” he said.
Shah said senior officials, including the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau and the Director General of the BSF, would visit border areas and interact with personnel before the pilot projects are rolled out.
Imphal: The abduction and killing of six Naga civilians allegedly by Kuki militants on May…
The road from Tuensang to Noklak does not welcome visitors. It climbs through the Naga…
This is the second in a three-part series about the author’s trek to the summit…
The Assam Government has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assam legislative…
Imphal: For nearly a month, the family of Rev Dr Manu Thiumai lived between hope…
Observing that different stretches of India’s borders face distinct challenges, including narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, counterfeit currency circulation and drone-based smuggling, Shah said border management requires tailored and region-specific solutions.
He added that district magistrates, superintendents of police and gram panchayat leaders would also be incorporated into the proposed border management framework.
“Border security cannot be viewed in isolation. The local administration must be integrated to create a robust and effective system,” Shah said.
The Union Home Minister further asserted that preventing demographic change resulting from gaps in border management remains a key commitment of the government.
“Tripura Frontier is very important for us. We will not allow demographic change caused by weaknesses in border management to go unchecked. Whether in Tripura, Bengal or Bihar, demographic change must be addressed with the utmost seriousness and focus,” he said.
Referring to border infrastructure, Shah said barbed-wire fencing had been installed to curb illegal infiltration and prevent demographic changes. He noted that around 650 km of fencing is more than 15 years old and that 119 km of new fencing has already been approved.
He also highlighted steps taken to improve facilities for BSF personnel, including electrification of border outposts, adoption of green energy solutions and the provision of safe drinking water.
Shah said a secure nation is essential to achieving the goal of making India a developed country by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“When I speak of a secure country, it does not imply any imminent war. It means addressing challenges such as human trafficking, smuggling, drug trafficking and the circulation of counterfeit currency that are linked to our borders,” he explained.
The Home Minister also highlighted environmental initiatives undertaken by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), stating that personnel across all central armed forces have planted 6.4 crore trees since 2019.
He said the forces are expected to plant between 40 lakh and 60 lakh saplings this year, with special emphasis on replacing trees that did not survive earlier plantation drives. A target of more than two crore plantations has been set for next year, he added.
Shah further said India has achieved its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule, underscoring the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability alongside national security.
Source: EastMojo
