India to Fully Cover Pakistan Border with Electronic Surveillance in Four Years: Home Minister

The Government of India has announced that electronic surveillance systems will be deployed along the entire India–Pakistan border within the next four years.

This strategic move aims to curb cross-border infiltration, narcotics trafficking, and the circulation of counterfeit currency originating from Pakistan.

International Land Border Indo-Afghanistan

India’s Border Profile at a Glance

1. India shares land borders with seven countries, with the India–Pakistan border spanning approximately 3,323 km.
2. The remaining borders are with Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Afghanistan (via PoK).

Key Surveillance Technologies Being Deployed

Laser Walls and Laser Fencing

1. Use infrared sensors and laser beams to detect intrusions in terrain where conventional fencing is unfeasible.
2. Particularly useful in marshy, riverine, and mountainous stretches.

Electronic Surveillance Systems

1. India is developing two integrated models combining sensors, communication networks, real-time intelligence, and command-control solutions.
2. These systems are designed to detect both surface-level and underground infiltrations, including tunnels.

Layered Security Architecture

A multi-tier setup that includes:

1. Three-tier physical fencing
2. Floodlighting
3. Thermal imagers
4. Vibration sensors
5. Manual patrolling by Border Security Forces (BSF)

Other Technological Tools

1. Deployment of drones (UAVs) for aerial surveillance.
2. Use of Long Range Reconnaissance and Observation Systems (LORROS) for high-resolution, real-time video monitoring.
3. Tunnel detection radars for identifying underground threats.

 

Major Government Initiatives for Border Security

1. Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), 2016

• Aims to achieve 24x7 surveillance of sensitive borders through technology.
• Initially rolled out along India–Pakistan and India–Bangladesh borders.
• Focuses on integrating intelligence inputs, sensor data, communication, and coordination.

2. Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme

• A Central Sector Scheme that funds:
  • Border fencing
  • Floodlighting
  • Border outposts (BOPs)
  • Construction of roads and bridges
• Enhances infrastructure for BSF and other border guarding forces.

3. Strategic Connectivity Projects

• Implementation of Bharatmala Pariyojana for building all-weather roads in border areas.
• Launch of Vibrant Villages Programme to develop infrastructure and ensure socio-economic support for populations in border villages.

 

Also Read
NCERT Books For UPSC	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Monthly Magazine	Best IAS Coaching in Delhi
Free MCQs for UPSC Prelims	UPSC Test Series
ENSURE IAS NOTES	Our Booklist