In the context of strained relations with Bangladesh, India has been contemplating the construction of both permanent and temporary fences along the approximately 400 km-long unfenced stretch of the international border in south Bengal.
“Both the central as well as the state govt are working in tandem to fix the situation. Land is being acquired at multiple places near the unfenced areas, and we are in the process of completing the fencing work at majority of these places,” a senior official from the Border Security Forces (BSF), South Bengal Frontiers, was quoted in a report by The Times of India.
India shares 4,096 km border with Bangladesh, of which 2,216 km long stretch runs alongside West Bengal. Source: Reuters | File.
According to the official, the BSF has been utilizing its own resources to set up makeshift barriers in areas where permanent fencing could not be installed due to specific limitations.
“No permanent construction or fencing is allowed within 150 yards of the international border. If we want to do so, permission is required from Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB). Hence, multiple such meetings are also underway,” the official informed.
India Strengthens Border Security Along Bangladesh Border
In the meantime, security measures have been strengthened along India’s unfenced international border with Bangladesh to prevent further illegal crossings, human trafficking, and smuggling. The Border Security Force (BSF) is employing a hybrid approach, blending traditional methods with advanced technology.
To enhance surveillance at the India-Bangladesh border and curb any potential infiltration, night vision cameras, motion detectors, and improvised alarms are among the tools being utilized.
“In the unfenced areas our jawans have themselves improvised the fence using wire,” a report by The Indian Express quoted an official as saying.
“We use optimum manpower, technology and resources to prevent smuggling and human trafficking,” the official further said.
According to an official quoted in an IE report, the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF, which patrols a 913 km stretch of the India-Bangladesh international border, has been extensively utilizing electronic surveillance in addition to traditional methods such as sentry posts and foot patrolling.
The official also revealed that out of the 913 km stretch, 350 square feet remains unfenced.
To ensure clear visibility and prevent concealment, regular maintenance of the area is conducted, including grass trimming and cleaning. The official further mentioned that night vision cameras and LED lights have been mounted on bamboo sticks to improve visibility and situational awareness, ensuring continuous surveillance throughout the day and night.
“The area is monitored by night vision cameras, including fixed bullet cameras and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, capable of observing movement up to one kilometer away. All of these are connected to live feeds in the control room, enabling rapid response to any potential threats,” an official quoted in the IE report said.
Safety protocols
With improved security measures, the tripwires along the India-Bangladesh border are designed to trigger loud alarms and activate trip-layer flares upon any disturbance or contact, whether intentional or accidental.
These tripwires are directly linked to live feeds in the control room, enabling quick responses to potential threats, even in challenging terrain and riverine areas.
To strengthen surveillance, electronic monitoring systems have been installed, including 360-degree rotating cameras and motion-sensitive sensors. These sensors sound an alarm if there is any attempt to tamper with the camouflage covering the equipment.
“Technology, manpower and resources are filling up the gaps. All movements along the border are continuously monitored at control rooms, from where directives are issued to on-duty sentries. To ensure a measured response, BSF personnel are equipped with pump action guns (PAGs), non-lethal weapons, while on sentry duty,” an official was quoted as saying in the IE report.
Additionally, netting up to 20 feet high is used to cover smart fences, preventing objects from being thrown across the border.
During the monsoon season, heavy rains pose significant challenges for the BSF in maintaining vigilance near the Betna River in Petrapole, as the area often becomes submerged. To tackle this, the border force has adopted a multi-layered strategy, incorporating improvised fencing made of bamboo and copper wire to limit movement. LED lights mounted on bamboo poles have also been installed, all connected to the control room at the Border Outpost. “Conditions become more challenging during the monsoons as the Betna river flowing along the border and other water bodies in this area overflow owing to heavy rain,” an official said.
India-Bangladesh border
India shares an extensive border of 4,096 km with Bangladesh, with 2,216 km of it running along the state of West Bengal.
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