Border fencing

It has been a year or more when Union Government had approved a five-layer security system all along the 2,900 km western border with Pakistan. Under the project India would be sealing for the first time its border against the Pak-supported infiltration of militants in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. All these states share border with Pakistan . Though a multi layer fencing already  exists with over 1,50,00 flood-lights  but  there are some loose-ends like a few vulnerable  spots such as ravine areas which have been uncovered because of the topography and the water source and had been the favourite for infiltrating militants. With the new security coming in place this will be for the first time technology would play a prime role in securing border from such activities. There have been decline in infiltration from across the border but the need to have a fool-proof system comes after the terrorist attack on Pathankot Air Force Station forcing the government to look for technologies to avoid recurrence of any such incident. The terrorists are believed to have entered India 5km downstream of Bamiyal near the Tash Border Outpost – a riverine point not covered by a laser wall. Bamiyal has BSF posts on either side of the river with a man on each post keeping a watch on the river round the clock. All along the border there are 130 riverine sections which make easy spots for infiltration.  The project envisages of bringing the entire border under ‘technology surveillance’ to discourage any infiltration bid. Not only this such a system would be effective in checking the growing narcotics smuggling which has grown manifold because of the big money involved. Punjab  has been the worst victim of this trans border inducement. Even Jammu and Kashmir is no exception most of the border areas are vulnerable points as far as the trade of narcotics goes. India and Pakistan have been going through a mixed phase of relations in recent times.  Efforts to resume talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have been stalled by terror strikes in India by Pak-supported terrorists operating from its soil.