BSF Considers Snakes, Crocodiles to Guard India-Bangladesh Border

Top Summary

• What happened: The BSF is exploring deploying reptiles like snakes and crocodiles in riverine areas along the India-Bangladesh border.
• Why it matters: This is an attempt to curb infiltration and criminal activities in areas where fencing is difficult.
• What changes for people: The proposal raises concerns about the safety of local populations living near the border.
• Who is affected: Residents along the India-Bangladesh border, particularly in flood-prone areas, could be affected.

Reptiles as Border Patrol? BSF Examines Feasibility

The Border Security Force (BSF) has directed its field units to explore using reptiles such as snakes and crocodiles to deter infiltration and criminal activity along vulnerable riverine stretches of the India-Bangladesh border.

A signal was sent from BSF headquarters on March 26 to all field units along the Bangladesh border.

The signal said, "use of reptiles is in line with Home Minister Amit Shah’s directions".

Operational Challenges and Concerns

Officials clarified that the idea is currently at the exploratory stage and has not been implemented.

 

"Till now the directions on reptiles have not been implemented. The directions have come to explore the possibility of it. There are several challenges… how does one procure the reptiles and what impact it may have on the local population who live along the riverine stretches?"

 

The feasibility study will examine the operational perspective of deploying reptiles in vulnerable areas.

The Need for Enhanced Border Security

The communication followed a meeting at the BSF headquarters in Delhi on February 9.

The Border Security Force (BSF) is the primary force responsible for guarding India’s borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Large sections of the eastern border with Bangladesh are flood-prone, making it difficult to construct physical fencing.

Risks to Local Populations

Due to the area's dense population, the proposed use of reptiles could pose significant risks to residents living along both sides of the border, particularly during floods.

The move comes amid ongoing concerns about smuggling and infiltration along the eastern border.

In January of this year, BSF troops intercepted a gold smuggler along the India-Bangladesh border in the Nadia district of West Bengal, seizing gold biscuits worth around Rs 1 crore.

The suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended by BSF personnel.

What to Watch Next

The BSF will likely conduct thorough assessments of the environmental and social impact of the reptile deployment plan. Further developments will depend on the outcome of these feasibility studies and any pilot programs that may be initiated.