Understanding the critical role of border infrastructure and management in national security, the Ministry of Home Affairs has planned the continuation of the Central Sector Umbrella Scheme of “Border Infrastructure and Management” (BIM). Spanning the 15th Finance Commission Cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26, this project is expected to cost approximately Rs.13,020 crore.
An Overview of The BIM Proposal
The BIM scheme aims to enhance the security of India’s borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar through the development of necessary infrastructure. Key projects will include border fencing, border floodlights, technological solutions, border roads, and Border OutPosts (BOPs) and company operating bases.
India shares borders of varying lengths with its neighboring countries – 3,323 km with Pakistan, 4,096 km with Bangladesh, 3,488 km with China, 1,751 km with Nepal, 699 km with Bhutan, and 1,643 km with Myanmar. The BIM scheme seeks to strengthen these border infrastructures, leading to improved border management and enhanced border security.
Vibrant Villages Programme: Towards a Secure Northern Border
Realising that border villages often miss out on development due to their sparse population and limited connectivity, the government announced the Vibrant Villages Programme in Budget 2022-23. Aimed primarily at countering China’s ‘model villages’ near the LAC (Line of Actual Control), this programme will boost infrastructure development, housing, road connectivity, provisioning of decentralized renewable energy, and support for livelihood generation.
Continuing the Border Area Development Programme (BADP)
The BADP, which originated during the Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-90), focuses on addressing the developmental needs of people living in remote and inaccessible areas near the international border. Its aim is to provide essential infrastructure and instil a sense of security among the border population.
Use of Technology: Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS)
As part of enhancing border security, two pilot projects covering about 71 Kms on Indo-Pakistan Border (10 Kms) and Indo-Bangladesh Border (61 Kms) of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) have been completed. Incorporating cutting-edge surveillance technologies, CIBMS facilitates real-time data collection and monitoring.
Role of Border Road Organization in Infrastructure Development
Founded in 1960, the Border Road Organization plays a pivotal role in providing defense infrastructure. It has constructed over 53,600 km of essential connectivity for regions such as Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The Ever-Prevailing Threats at Borders and Counter-Actions
Despite these measures, threats persist at various borders – be it war, insurgency, smuggling, or human trafficking. For instance, the Pakistan border experiences issues like war, insurgency, and smuggling; to counter this, there’s a need for Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (C.I.B.M.S.) monitoring with a well-trained and larger Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique (BOLD-QIT), more than one route connecting far-flung areas, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
Similarly, the Chinese border requires armored vehicle-capable infrastructure and high altitude airfields, while the Bangladesh border needs constant monitoring for smuggling and human trafficking. Developing armored vehicle-capable road connectivity up to the Bhutan-China border and C.I.B.M.S. monitoring with a more significant and efficient BOLD-QIT to tackle insurgency and swift troop movements are priorities for the Bhutan and Myanmar borders.
Despite these challenges, the Indian government is committed to boosting border infrastructure and management, ensuring a secure border and peaceful nation.