BSF submits proposal for fencing Bangladesh border

Amid growing concerns over terrorists using the porous Indo-Bangla border for infiltration, the Border Security Force has submitted a detailed proposal to the state government about the land needed for setting up fences along the highly sensitive 81.7-km border. The issue of erecting fences along the border was in cold storage for past several years. It was taken up just months after the terror attack in Dhaka and intelligence inputs about how the porous Indo-Bangla border is fast turning into a transit point for terrorists and cattle smugglers.

“The matter of identifying land, and survey, was held back since 2009. But recently the state government sought proposals from us regarding the amount of land required in the south Bengal frontier.”

“We have placed a report about the amount of land and alignment that is needed, and other basics requirements,” Sandeep Salunke, inspector general, BSF, said. He added that the BSF handed over a detailed report of land plots needed in North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and Murshidabad district to fence 81.7 km, without a delay.

Bangladesh and West Bengal share about 2,216.7 km of the border.

“Of the 915-km border in the South Bengal frontier, only 371km is fenced. So we have sent the proposal for setting up fences in 81.7km urgently. These areas are highly sensitive. Fencing will be an added advantage in border patrolling,” a senior BSF official said.

Sources say the report was handed to the state chief secretary and the home secretary, and the process for the land survey is on. “Yes we received a report from the BSF. Now the purchase committee will look into it. The BSF will pay for the land, and it will be registered under the BSF only. The process of survey of that land and alignment has started on an war footing. The entire process will be completed very soon,” a senior official of the state home department said.