The High-Level Empowered Committee (HLEC), chaired by the Union Home Secretary, has approved significant projects for borders, including the Indo-China and Indo-Pakistan borders. In a meeting held in the second week of August, a total of 32 projects were presented for clearance. Projects worth Rs 2,200 crore for the BSF were cleared, followed by Rs 1,100 crore for the Assam Rifles, Rs 700 crore for the SSB, and additional funds for the ITBP, according to a senior official. The official also said that various projects in Bihar received approval, with estimates revised to reflect increased amounts for projects in Bihar.
Importantly, the HLEC has requested the preparation of a proposal for more than 28 kilometre of fencing. If all goes according to plan, the government will fence Malda, which is notorious for smuggling activities.
“After due deliberation, the HLEC approved the required funding for consultancy services to carry out the feasibility study and preparation of the Detailed Project Report for the construction of culverts and fencing in Malda District, West Bengal, along the Indo-Bangladesh border,” a senior official quoted in a document told News18.
Malda is uniquely positioned as a bordering district between India and Bangladesh and has experienced significant demographic changes over the last decade. Kaliachak in Malda, located barely 12 miles from the Indo-Bangladesh border, is frequently used as an international smuggling point. In 2016, this border town witnessed one of the worst riots in recent history, with the mob estimated to number around one lakh.
Kaliachak is also known for poppy mafias who often clash with the BSF. The town has been identified as a crude bomb factory, as evidenced by five children being injured in crude bomb explosions there in 2022. From a border security perspective, controlling the flow of illegal arms, crude bombs, and drug manufacturing makes Malda highly significant for West Bengal.
Indo-Bangladesh Border
The committee, chaired by the former Union Home Secretary, cleared technological solutions to address unfenced gaps in Silchar, Assam, including drone surveillance. It also approved the construction of a single-row fence in Dakshin Dinajpur District, West Bengal; modular fencing, including earthworks, culvert work, protection work, and patrolling tracks in Krishnanagar, West Bengal; and high-quality security LED lights for various stretches. Several fencing and road projects have also been approved for the Indo-Bangladesh border in Mizoram.
Indo-China Border
Last month, the High-Level Empowered Committee cleared several projects along the Indo-China border, including initiatives in Kibithoo, water supply-related projects, and road projects in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh to improve accessibility in border areas.
Indo-Nepal Border
The committee has approved various projects for road construction that will significantly assist the SSB. Additionally, estimates have been revised for the construction of the road from Fathpur to Piltola in Kishanganj, the border road in Araria District, and the construction and upgrade of roads and other structures in Champaran District, Bihar, along the Indo-Nepal border have been cleared.
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