Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Centre is preparing to launch pilot projects for a smart border management system at seven to eight locations across the country next year.
In this new system, emphasis will be placed on technology-driven surveillance and stronger coordination with local authorities.
Speaking to Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Border Outpost Lankamura under the 42nd Battalion in Tripura, Shah said the government is in the final stages of developing the smart border concept for installation along stretches guarded by the BSF and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
“The proposed model would be built around a four-point security framework involving technology, local administration, intelligence inputs, and the operational capabilities of border-guarding forces. The objective is to strengthen border protection and address evolving security challenges more effectively,” 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 undertake field visits and interact with personnel before the pilot phase is rolled out.
Pointing to the diverse nature of threats along India’s international boundaries, he said, “Different sectors face different challenges, including narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, illegal arms movement, circulation of counterfeit currency, and the use of drones for smuggling activities.”
The Home Minister said district magistrates, superintendents of police, and gram panchayat representatives would be incorporated into the new border management structure.
He stressed that effective border security cannot be achieved without active participation from local administrative agencies.
Describing Tripura as a strategically important frontier state, Shah said the government remained committed to preventing illegal infiltration and demographic changes resulting from gaps in border management.
He added that ageing border fencing was being upgraded, noting that around 650 kilometres of fencing is more than 15 years old, while approval has been granted for 119 kilometres of new fencing.
Shah also highlighted measures being undertaken for the welfare of BSF personnel, including electrification of border outposts, adoption of green energy solutions, and improved drinking water facilities.
Linking national security with the goal of building a developed India by 2047, he said, “Challenges such as human trafficking, smuggling, narcotics trade, and fake currency networks must be tackled through an integrated security system.”
The Home Minister further said Central Armed Police Forces have planted around 6.4 crore trees since 2019. He added that 40 lakh to 60 lakh saplings would be planted this year, with greater focus on replantation, while the target for next year would exceed two crore plantations.
During the programme, Shah paid tributes to former RSS chief Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, popularly known as Guruji, on his death anniversary, describing his contribution to nation-building and social service as enduring.