AGARTALA: In a major push to modernize national security, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday that the Central Government is in the final stages of preparing a Smart Border framework. The government plans to roll out high-tech pilot projects across multiple international frontiers, specifically focusing on sensitive sectors monitored by the Border Security Force (BSF).
Addressing BSF personnel at the Lankamura Border Outpost along the India-Bangladesh frontier in Tripura, Shah emphasized that conventional border guarding methods are no longer sufficient against rapidly evolving threats. He noted that different frontiers face distinct challenges, ranging from drone-based smuggling and narcotics trafficking to counterfeit currency networks, cattle smuggling, and illegal migration.
“Our objective is to build a technology-driven security architecture capable of detecting and preventing every form of cross-border crime,” the Home Minister stated.
A Coordinated Security Mechanism
The Home Minister revealed that the insights gained from these upcoming pilot projects will help develop a comprehensive, nationwide border management model. Crucially, this new strategy will not rely solely on security forces; it will integrate district administrations, local police authorities, and border-area institutions into a single, synchronized defense system.
Highlighting the strategic value of Tripura—which shares a critical 856 km international boundary with Bangladesh—Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing aging infrastructure. Out of 650 kilometers of border fencing that has outlived its operational lifespan, the government has already approved the immediate replacement of 119 kilometers with upgraded structures.
Shah directly linked robust border security to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, asserting that economic progress is impossible without a safe and secure environment.
Focus on Sustainability and Environment
Coinciding with World Environment Day, the event also highlighted ecological initiatives. Shah praised the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for planting nearly 6.4 crore saplings since 2019. He announced a target to plant over two crore saplings next year, focusing heavily on afforestation to combat climate change. During the event, Shah planted an agarwood sapling, virtually inaugurated new accommodation facilities for BSF personnel, and laid foundation stones for upcoming infrastructure.
At the start of his address, the Home Minister paid tribute to the second Sarsanghchalak of the RSS, Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar (‘Guruji’), on his death anniversary, honoring his contributions to national integrity. The high-profile event was also attended by Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha alongside top officials from the intelligence, security, and border management sectors.
