Agartala, June 5: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Centre is moving ahead with its ambitious “Smart Border Project” to establish an impregnable border security grid using advanced technologies such as drones, modern cameras, and sophisticated surveillance systems.
Addressing Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at the Lankamura Border Outpost along the India-Bangladesh border in West Tripura district, Shah said that India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 cannot be achieved without ensuring comprehensive national security.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, the Home Minister stressed that safeguarding the country’s borders remains a key prerequisite for national development. He noted that India faces not only conventional security challenges but also threats such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, cattle smuggling, youth drug abuse, fake currency circulation, and cross-border infiltration.
Shah praised BSF personnel for their dedication in protecting the nation’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, saying that citizens deeply value the commitment and sacrifices made by the force.
Highlighting the proposed Smart Border Fencing initiative, Shah said the project is in its final stages of planning and will be launched as a pilot at seven to eight selected locations where the BSF and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are deployed. The government will assess the pilot project’s performance and address any shortcomings before implementing the programme on a larger scale.
“Border security will be ensured in totality, not in a fragmented manner,” he asserted, adding that different border regions present distinct challenges, including drone-based smuggling of arms and narcotics.
The Home Minister also said the government is committed to improving the welfare of BSF personnel and their families. He further emphasized that the Centre would not allow demographic changes in West Bengal, Tripura, and Bihar due to illegal infiltration and is taking measures to strengthen border management.
Earlier, Shah paid tribute to Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, popularly known as “Shri Guruji”, on his death anniversary, describing him as a visionary who dedicated his life to nation-building, cultural preservation, and public service.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and several senior officials, including Home Secretary Govind Mohan and BSF Director General Praveen Kumar, were p
resent at the event.
