For a country like India, which has extremely long borders in the West, North, and East, and a continuous coastline in the South, manning them can be quite a task. This is especially the case in inhospitable areas like Kutch in Gujarat. Since he took over as union home minister, Amit Shah has presided over a major project to strengthen India’s border posts in this area of Gujarat.
In August, he visited Sir Creek and laid the foundation stone for a mooring place at Koteshwar, inaugurated the Chidiamod-Biarbet link road and an observation tower in the Harami Nala area. Harami Nala is considered to be the most challenging area in Kutch to patrol. This area has also been at the centre of cross-border mischief and exploitation by Pakistani infiltrators.
Shah assured the BSF jawans that “whatever budget is required to be allocated for your convenience will be done by us in the coming days”. This will increase their convenience as well as the security of the region, he added.
The union home minister said that he is able to sleep peacefully at night because BSF jawans remain alert 365 days, 24 hours to secure the country’s borders.
“Coastal security is most important for the country. Located along the coast of Gujarat are many important institutions, nuclear stations, missile launch areas, research centres, industries and ports. Their 365-day, 24-hour security is vital,” he said.
Shah mentioned that the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s establishment of the “One Border, One Force” approach has substantially facilitated India’s border guarding forces in evaluating geographical dynamics, political affiliations with neighbouring countries, and potential threats.
He also underscored the extensive assistance given to the CAPFs, including the issuance of over 4 million PF cards through the ‘AYUSHMAN CAPF’ initiative, the linkage of 24,000 hospitals, and the establishment of 13,000 new CAPF residences, underscoring their significance in enhancing the well-being and living standards of CAPF personnel.
In February, there were reports that the government plans to install “smart fences” along the border in Kutch. The fencing incorporates laser-based intruder alarm systems.
In 2022, the Bhuj-Naliya railway track connecting the border areas of Kutch was completed. India had also opened a Wagah-style border crossing at Nadabet.
These initiatives are being rolled out in pursuit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “secure border”. Last year, the PM had asked all ministries to depute senior officers for at least a one-night stay near border villages for the ground assessment of challenges.
A major border infrastructure revamp is underway across the Northern and Western borders with the creation and revamp of ditch-cum-bandhs, repair of damaged border fencing, upgrade of BSF ‘morchas’ and installation of surveillance tech.
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