In a first, marshy Sundarbans to get fenced soon; BSF to expedite work with other govt depts
In a first, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to fence about 90 kilometres of the Sundarbans along the India-Bangladesh border in
In a first, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to fence about 90 kilometres of the Sundarbans along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, a challenging terrain characterised by mangrove forests, tidal swamps, embankments and numerous creeks. The 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, a senior government official told The Hindu. At present, there are no barriers on the ground and the BSF has deployed Floating Border Outposts (FBOPs) in the riverine areas to secure the border. Plans are afoot to augment marine patrolling, the official said.
Praveen Kumar, Director-General, BSF, had visited the Sundarbans from July 11 to 14 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. The joint inspection by BSF and the Department of Irrigation will start soon,” said the official. As part of public outreach, the BSF D-G met with local residents and government officials posted in the area, a BSF statement said. Almost 71 km of the border is contiguous with the Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary where no construction work is allowed as it is a protected area, the official said.
“The three-day security review led by the D-G focused on time-bound completion of fence-related work. The need for more searchlights and surveillance cameras to aid marine domination was discussed,” said the official. Another official said that people were concerned about their land being acquired for construction of the fence, adding that the project gathered pace after the change of government in West Bengal. “The previous government did not allow any joint survey of the land in the Sundarbans. Many people fear that they will lose their land and homes. Several mid-scale hotels and lodges which operate in the area also raised concern as they might be asked to shift.
They have been assured that the government will compensate and rehabilitate them,” said the official. After the August 2024 ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in neighbouring Bangladesh, the BSF enhanced patrolling and deployment along the border to prevent infiltration and other crimes. “Though the Sundarbans is not a preferred route for infiltrators, it is used for trans-border crimes. After August 2024, additional security measures were taken up here,” said the official. The total length of the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal is 2,216.7 km.
The BriefWire