Amit Shah Reviews India-Bangladesh Border Security, Unveils BSF Projects in West Bengal
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted his first on-ground review of border security in West Bengal since the BJP assumed office in the state. He inspected an indigenous radio-based fence breach detection system and other surveillance technologies along the India-Bangladesh border, signaling the Centre's push to strengthen border security through technology.
Background
The India-Bangladesh border spans 2,216.7 km in West Bengal, with around 180 km passing through riverine terrain where physical fencing is not feasible. The government has been focusing on deploying advanced surveillance technologies to address challenges like smuggling, infiltration, and economic crimes.
Key facts
Amit Shah inspected an indigenous radio-based fence breach detection system along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.
The system broadcasts a pre-recorded warning message instantly when the border fence is tampered with, enabling quick response by BSF personnel.
Shah also reviewed an infrared alarm system designed for difficult terrain, including riverine stretches and gaps in border fencing.
The visit was part of Shah's three-day tour of West Bengal, reviewing security arrangements, law and order, and inaugurating border infrastructure projects.
Shah emphasized zero tolerance against smuggling of narcotics, economic crimes, and infiltration in border areas.
He stated that long-pending infrastructure works related to national security will be completed on priority.
A quadrilateral security grid is being established to make the border completely secure and impregnable.
Of the 2,216.7-km India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, about 180 km passes through riverine terrain where physical fencing cannot be installed.
A gate management system was also reviewed to facilitate safe movement of civilians and farmers living along the border.
Prelims pointers
- India-Bangladesh border length: 2,216.7 km in West Bengal
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Radio-based fence breach detection system
- Infrared alarm system
- Quadrilateral security grid
- Riverine terrain challenges
- Zero tolerance policy on smuggling and infiltration
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of technology in enhancing border security and its effectiveness in addressing challenges like infiltration and smuggling.
- Critically examine the significance of the quadrilateral security grid in securing India's borders.
- Analyze the challenges of border management in riverine terrain and the measures adopted to overcome them.