To meet effectively economic and security related challenges of borders, the country is embarking upon building world class infrastructure encompassing better border management including better telecommunication facilities. The issue has its own sensitivity both in terms of how our security forces were placed in better conditions and facilities as also the local population who have to suffer on account of its deficiency both in quantum and quality. In fact, without mincing words, the neglect and forsakenness to the extent of a state of desuetude which our borders used to be subjected to for years together in comparison to their requirements, have started to be addressed eloquently as we have experienced in our North Eastern Sector where a virtual competition with the other side from the border in placing quality basic infrastructure on this side of the border is progressively going to be witnessed should the same tempo, rhyme and rhythm of the work on the upcoming and underway projects remain on a continuous basis.
On the other hand, similarly, on the LoC and IB also, as many as 8500 underground bunkers have been so far constructed from out of 14460 individual and community bunkers sanctioned by the Central Government. Besides that, deployment of hi-tech electronic surveillance equipment on the borders and constructing additional Border Outposts have not only resulted in the borders becoming secure but infiltration and smuggling activities too having been largely contained. Verily , therefore, that accounts for earmarking of the highest funds of Rs.652 crore for borders with Bangladesh during the last fiscal.
Having said that all, still lot remains to be done in this regard as we can say that a grand beginning only has started as the task ahead is stupendous. That is because we have a vast area of borders with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar , Nepal and Bhutan . By approving funds to the tune of Rs.13020 crore by the centre, therefore, a well planned developmental slew of schemes of Border Infrastructure and Management are expected to be on the anvil of being started during the period of five years , say 2022- 2026. Not only improving the critical infrastructure, but policing , guarding and developing borders too are proposed under the grand initiative. Our borders mainly lack a good and durable road network including vital bridges as also technological infrastructure and solutions besides other requirements in the core areas like fencing , border flood lights and construction of strategic roads for hassles free movement of our security forces. Similarly, borders with Pakistan too though have been made more secure but the areas around need infrastructural development.
It is really commendable that the aim of the schemes under the central umbrella are proposed to go beyond the core and fixed areas confined to the net border spots as needs and interests of the border population otherwise living under challenging conditions, have also to be addressed . In this connection, it is worth noting that building more roads, schools, health centres, promoting cleanliness mission, providing drinking water, making community centres, better connectivity and the like in border areas would result in a sort of turnaround in the canvas of the standard and facilities related to the living conditions of entire border population especially by virtue of schemes focussing on promoting border tourism, promoting sports activities, protecting heritage sites, construction of helipads etc . These schemes, during implementation process and even thereafter, would open employment opportunities too especially for the local people. Farming sector in the entire border segment is facing peculiar problems which need to be addressed on a focussed footing . That is because these areas being vulnerable and despite that, the industrious farmers growing different crops and new vistas of agricultural activities found like organic farming showing good potential, they need skill development training and better farming techniques besides marketing of their produce afforded all types of governmental support. Secure, developed and impregnable borders and border areas are central to a robust defence system of any country, specially for India with much vulnerability to hostilities from the two neighbours from the other side.
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