Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inspected a range of indigenous, state-of-the-art technologies aimed at strengthening border security during his visit to the Jhumagachh Border Outpost (BOP) in Siliguri, West Bengal. He also laid the foundation stone for Border Security Force (BSF) infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹77 crore and interacted with BSF personnel during the Prahari Sammelan.
During his visit, HM Shah reviewed a radio-based fence breach detection system that instantly alerts security personnel by broadcasting a pre-recorded message whenever the border fence is tampered with. He also inspected an infrared alarm system designed for difficult terrains such as riverine areas and unfenced gaps along the border. The system provides advance warning by detecting interruptions in infrared beams.
The Home Minister further reviewed a gate management system developed to facilitate the safe and smooth movement of civilians and farmers residing along the India-Bangladesh border.
Through virtual mode, HM Shah laid the foundation stone for three BSF infrastructure projects worth ₹47 crore. He also launched the construction of a 4-kilometre border fence, costing ₹30 crore, on newly acquired land for two border outposts in West Bengal.
During the visit, HM Shah climbed a border watchtower to review security arrangements, participated in a tree plantation drive and interacted with BSF personnel at the Prahari Sammelan.
Addressing BSF personnel, the Home Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Centre is committed to making India’s borders impregnable through the adoption of advanced technologies and modern infrastructure.
He said the government is developing a quadrangular security grid based on the concept of “Smart Borders” to strengthen border management and prevent infiltration.
HM Shah said the welfare of security personnel guarding the country’s borders and their families remains a top priority for the government. He added that the quadrangular security grid would first be implemented at the grassroots level in West Bengal and that pending infrastructure projects related to national security would be completed on priority.
During his visit to Siliguri, the Home Minister also chaired a meeting to review border-related issues in West Bengal. He further presided over a separate meeting to assess the implementation of the three new criminal laws in the state, as well as the functioning of the birth and death registration system.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Director General of the BSF and other senior officials were present during the visit.
