India plans first border fence through Sundarbans along Bangladesh frontier
India's Border Security Force (BSF), which is deployed along the Bangladesh border, has initiated a feasibility and technical study to erect the fence along the land border with Bangladesh
Highlights:
- India plans first 90-kilometre fence through Sundarbans Bangladesh border
- BSF conducting feasibility and technical studies before construction begins
- Riverine border currently secured by floating outposts and marine patrols
- Locals fear land acquisition; government promises compensation and rehabilitation
- Protected wildlife sanctuary limits construction along 71 kilometres of border
- Security upgrades include more searchlights, surveillance cameras and maritime patrols
For the first time, India's home ministry is set to fence about 90 kilometres of the Sundarbans along the Bangladesh border in West Bengal, a challenging terrain of mangrove forests, tidal swamps, embankments and numerous creeks.
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India's Border Security Force (BSF), which is deployed along the Bangladesh border, has initiated a feasibility and technical study to build a fence along the land border, a senior government official told The Hindu.
There are currently no physical barriers in the area, and the BSF has deployed Floating Border Outposts to secure the riverine sections of the border. Plans are afoot to augment marine patrolling, the official said.
BSF Director General Praveen Kumar visited the Sundarbans on 11-14 July and reviewed the progress of the fencing work.
"No fencing work has ever been done in the Sundarbans till now. The locals have been counselled that fencing is a requirement and that it is vital for national security and the Department of Security will start [work] soon," the official said.
According to the official, local residents have expressed concerns about the acquisition of land needed for the project. Several mid-scale hotels and lodges that operate in the area also flagged concerns that they might be asked to shift.
They have been assured that they would be compensated and rehabilitated.
Nearly 71km of the border is contiguous with the Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary where no construction work is allowed as it is a protected area, he pointed out.
During Kumar's visit, the need for more searchlights and surveillance cameras to help maritime domination was discussed.
The fencing work gathered pace after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal in May this year.
