The Border Security Force (BSF) officials disclosed on Monday that the agency has formulated a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to monitor and impede the movement of drones, curbing the potential smuggling of narcotics and weapons. The agency has also initiated the process of identifying vulnerable points along the Indo-Pak border.
Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Special DG, BSF, Western Command Yogesh Bahadur Khurania revealed that over the past year, the BSF has actively tracked and neutralized more than 95 drones. He highlighted that a majority of these drones were intercepted on the Punjab side of the border, with some in the Ganganar area of Rajasthan. Khurania emphasized the importance of the SOP in countering the drone threat posed by anti-social elements involved in illicit activities such as narcotics and weapons smuggling.
Khurania acknowledged that the BSF has established inter-district and inter-state linkages between smugglers in Punjab Jammu and Kashmir during this period. The SOP, designed to counteract drone movements, involves rigorous training for BSF Jawans who are well-versed in drone technology. Khurania attributed the decrease in the use of larger drones by smugglers to heightened vigilance, noting that they have now shifted to smaller drones with a payload capacity ranging from 400 to 500 grams, which are more affordable.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by smaller drones, Khurania asserted that the BSF is adequately equipped to address any potential threats. Furthermore, he praised the collaboration with the Punjab Police, emphasizing that the police's support enabled the BSF to identify and map vulnerable points along the border.
Khurania shared that after identifying these grey areas, plans have been initiated to install CCTV cameras, with the project expected to conclude by March 2024. Additionally, considerations are underway to expand the fencing area, pending completion of land acquisition and compensation formalities. Khurania assured that increased surveillance and technological measures are being deployed to monitor and mitigate any suspicious activities in these areas.
Responding to a query, the BSF DG noted that illegal mining along the India-Pakistan border has ceased following government intervention prompted by the matter being brought to their attention.
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