Daijiworld Media Network - Agartala
Agartala, Jun 6: Declaring that India's border management system must evolve to meet emerging security challenges, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Centre is preparing to launch Smart Border pilot projects across multiple international frontiers, including sensitive sectors guarded by the Border Security Force (BSF).
Addressing BSF personnel at the Lankamura Border Outpost along the India-Bangladesh border near Agartala, Shah said traditional border guarding methods alone are no longer adequate to counter modern threats such as drone-based smuggling, human trafficking, illegal migration and cross-border criminal networks.
"Each border has distinct security concerns and requires a specialised response. Our objective is to build a technology-driven security architecture capable of detecting and preventing every form of cross-border crime," he said.
Shah said the proposed Smart Border framework is in the final stages of planning and will initially be tested through pilot projects at several locations. The experience gained from these projects will help develop a comprehensive border management model for implementation across the country.
He said the new approach would involve not only security forces but also district administrations, police authorities and local institutions in border areas, creating an integrated security mechanism.
According to the Home Minister, long-term border security can be achieved only through the active participation of all stakeholders living and working in frontier regions.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Tripura, which shares an 856-km international border with Bangladesh, Shah said securing the frontier is essential for safeguarding national security as well as the country's social and economic interests.
He reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening border infrastructure and modernising ageing fencing systems. Of the nearly 650 km of fencing that has exceeded its operational lifespan, approval has already been granted for replacing 119 km with upgraded structures.
Linking border security with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047, Shah said economic progress and national development require a secure environment. Preventing smuggling, fake currency circulation, drug trafficking and human trafficking would remain key priorities of border management agencies, he added.
The programme also marked the observance of World Environment Day. Shah called for environmental protection to become a mass movement rather than an annual government exercise, stressing that ecological responsibility must be embraced by society as a whole.
He noted that environmental degradation and climate change have become global concerns and described afforestation as one of the most effective tools for restoring ecological balance.
According to Shah, personnel of various Central Armed Police Forces have planted nearly 6.4 crore saplings since 2019. This year, efforts will focus on replacing saplings that did not survive earlier plantation drives, while a target of planting more than two crore saplings has been set for next year.
During the event, Shah planted an agarwood sapling, virtually inaugurated accommodation facilities for BSF personnel and laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure projects.
He also praised border guards serving in difficult terrain and harsh climatic conditions, saying their dedication and sacrifices are deeply respected by the people of India.
At the beginning of his address, Shah paid tribute to Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, popularly known as Guruji, on his death anniversary and recalled his contributions to cultural nationalism, national consciousness, social unity and self-reliance.
The programme was attended by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, along with senior officials from security forces, intelligence agencies and border management organisations.