Major changes underway by BSF to protect borders
Significant changes are in the offing with respect to how India's international border (IB) with Pakistan will be protected in the future. The Border Security Force (BSF) is contemplating creating a Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). Implementing the CIBMS will drastically bring down human patrolling by integration of intelligent technological solutions. These changes will be implemented over the next 3-4 years.
Guarding India's borders
India's international border predominantly relies on human patrolling to check infiltration. However, deploying lakhs of men to protect every inch of the border is a very costly affair and the government can't afford to keep increasing deployment. Separately, human alertness has its limits and surveillance by humans in extreme weather conditions is not a fool-proof way of guarding the very sensitive border.
Reducing reliance on humans
Human eyes can't see beyond 200 metres clearly whereas a hand-held thermal imager or radar can survey upto 5-6 kms. By increase in technology based solutions, 50% less men would be deployed for patrolling during extreme weather conditions.
BSF Director-General KK Sharma explains strategy
"In place of making a human chain supported by gadgets for detection and then responding to situations, we are trying to use human resource to actively analyze inputs from ultra-modern intelligent gadgets and give precise and calibrated responses free of psychological and physical fatigue effects."
New technological solutions for the border
The BSF will introduce 'ultra-intelligent gadgets' that can relay precise information to human analyzers in cases of infiltration. One of the key defences would be a 'smart-fence', virtual and seamless, that comprises of sensors and laser-based technologies that transmit data to communication and command centres. BSF intends to deploy 'Quick Reaction Teams' at vantage points close to the border to act during intrusions.
CIBMS pilot projects underway
Prime focus of CIBMS is to bring down human patrolling by integrating more technology. BSF Dir-Gen KK Sharma said, "Two pilot projects of CIBMS are under way in Jammu. We will soon implement 3 more in Punjab and Gujarat and another one at Dhubri, Assam."
