Anti-Drone Units to be Set Up at Borders to Fortify National Security: Amit Shah
Jodhpur: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah attended the 60th Raising Day Parade of the Border Security Force (BSF) as the Chief Guest. During the event, Shah highlighted the growing threat of drones and the measures being taken to counter this challenge.
A laser-equipped anti-drone gun mount system has been developed in collaboration with border security forces, the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and various research departments. Shah noted that this system has successfully intercepted and neutralized 55% of drone intrusions along the international border with Punjab, a significant improvement from the previous 3%.
The Union Home Minister expressed confidence that a comprehensive anti-drone unit will be established within the next few years to protect the country from drone threats. He also highlighted the completion of fencing along 591 kilometers of the border with Bangladesh and the installation of floodlights along 1,159 kilometers.
The Modi government has undertaken several initiatives to enhance border infrastructure, including the construction of border roads across 1,812 kilometers of difficult terrain. The government has also launched the Vibrant Villages Program, aiming to develop villages along the northern border with a budget of ₹4,800 crore.
Shah also emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of security personnel. The Ayushman CAPF scheme has provided healthcare services to 41,21,443 personnel and their family members, with 29,890 hospitals linked to the program. The government has also approved 13,000 houses for security personnel and completed the construction of 11,000 houses over the past five years.
Shah praised the BSF personnel, saying their contribution to the country’s security will be written in golden letters. He highlighted the BSF’s outstanding record of securing the nation’s eastern and western borders since its inception on December 1, 1965. Shah also acknowledged the sacrifices made by 1992 BSF personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Union Home Minister emphasized the BSF’s growth from 25 battalions to 193 battalions, with 2.7 lakh personnel, making it the world’s largest border guarding force. Shah noted the BSF’s continued efforts in combating counterfeit currency, narcotics, infiltration, and left-wing extremism.
Shah also highlighted the establishment of the National Coastal Police Academy in Okha, which trains state police and border guarding forces to secure maritime boundaries. Additionally, the Modi government has introduced a comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to monitor sensitive areas along the international border.
The CIBMS has been implemented as a pilot project in Dhubri, with encouraging results. Shah announced plans to apply this system across the entire borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh after further improvements.
Shah was joined by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary, and several other dignitaries.
