NEW DELHI, May 22 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Central Government will roll out a comprehensive “Smart Border” project along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh within the next one year to enhance border security and prevent infiltration.
Speaking at the annual Rustamji Memorial Lecture organised by the Border Security Force in New Delhi, Shah said the ambitious initiative is aimed at securing nearly 6,000 kilometres of international borders by deploying advanced surveillance and modern security infrastructure.
He said the project is being planned in connection with the 60th Raising Day celebrations of the BSF and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to strengthening border management with the latest technology and enhanced operational capabilities.
Shah said the proposed smart border system will feature drones, radar systems, smart fencing, surveillance cameras and other advanced monitoring devices to detect and stop infiltration attempts effectively.
Highlighting concerns over illegal infiltration, the Home Minister said strict measures are being taken to foil any attempt to disturb the demographic structure of border areas. He urged BSF personnel to maintain high alertness and ensure stronger vigilance along the sensitive frontiers.
He further stated that the governments of Tripura, West Bengal and Assam are working closely with the Centre to tackle infiltration-related issues along international borders. Shah said the Union Home Ministry will soon hold a meeting with the chief ministers of these states to review and strengthen border security arrangements.
Reaffirming the Centre’s policy on illegal infiltration, Shah asserted that every individual residing illegally in the country would be identified and deported as per law.
The Home Minister also indicated that the Central Government may soon unveil a high-level demography mission focusing on demographic and border security concerns across vulnerable regions.(KNC)
