What is the current status of the India-Bangladesh border fencing project?
As per ThePrint’s analysis, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to miss the March 2024 deadline to complete fencing the 4,096.7km India-Bangladesh border.
How much of the border fencing has been completed so far?
The MHA’s 2022-23 report states that 3,180.65 km of the border has been fenced, leaving 915.35 km remaining.
Why is the project delayed?
Geographical challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, land acquisition issues, and protests by border populations are cited as major reasons for the delay.
What has been the fencing progress in recent years?
The progress has been slow; in 2022-23, only 35.653 km was fenced.
Will non-physical means be used for fencing?
It’s unclear from MHA reports how much of the remaining border will be covered by physical fencing and what part through non-physical means like technology.
How does this project compare internationally?
Issues like high costs and effectiveness of technological systems for border security are global concerns, with mixed results in different countries, such as the US-Mexico border.
What role do states play in this project?
States are responsible for land acquisition, but infrastructure delays and bureaucratic processes often slow down the progress.
What are the land acquisition challenges?
Land acquisition has been a major issue, with states lacking manpower and expertise, leading to poor upkeep of land records and delays.
What technological alternatives are considered?
Technologies like sensors and cameras are considered for areas where physical barriers aren’t feasible, but their effectiveness and cost are concerns.
How much of the border requires fencing?
Research suggests nearly 75-80% of the border requires fencing, with the remaining 20% needing technological surveillance.
