M A I N   N E W S

500 more BSF outposts to check infiltration
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 10
The Border Security Force will get 509 more border outposts (BOPs) along the country’s international boundary with Pakistan and Bangladesh to prevent infiltration and cross-border smuggling in the next two years.

“The new BOPs will be composite in nature and will have all facilities within the same complex. We presently have 1,373 BOPs (at the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, the only two guarded by the BSF). The Rs 1,832 crore project will be completed in the next two years,” said Arvind Ranjan, the force’s acting Director General at its Raising Day celebrations.

Of the 509 composite BOPs, 120 will come up in the Western sector in Punjab, Rajasthan and Jammu. The remaining BOPs will be built along the border with Bangladesh. Once built, there will be a total of 1,882 BOPs.

“About 100 of these out-posts are under construction and nearly 40 are ready,” said a BSF official.

A composite BOP comprises 14 elements as against five in regular BOPs. These include two barracks, a kitchen and recreational activities for the personnel. The aim is to ensure that the jawans posted along the border are well taken care of.

Upon completion of the project, BOPs will be located less than 3.5 km apart. Tactically, an increase in density of BOPs is intended to reduce infiltration attempts along the India-Pakistan border, illegal migration and cattle smuggling from Bangladesh and smuggling of drugs and fake Indian currency notes. In areas such as the Sunderbans, Rann of Kutch and other creeks and riverine locations where fencing and floodlighting cannot be installed, the BSF is looking to use unmanned aerial vehicles and camera and sensor-fitted balloons that will enable jawans to look farther, see a threat earlier and tackle it accordingly.

Securing the borders

• The Border Security Force will add 509 outposts to its existing 1,373 along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders in two years at a cost of Rs 1,832 crore
• While 120 BOPs will come up in Punjab, Rajasthan and Jammu, the remaining will be built along the Bangladesh border
• Once built, there will be a total of 1,882 BOPs along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders