Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday pledged faster deployment of advanced surveillance systems, anti-drone technology, and upgraded infrastructure along India's western frontier. He made the announcement while inaugurating new barracks for women personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) during a visit to forward posts in Rajasthan bordering Pakistan.
Address at Sanchu Border Post
Addressing BSF personnel at the Sanchu border post in Bikaner district, about 330 kilometers northwest of Jaipur and near India's border with Pakistan, Shah stated that the Union government had strengthened border security through modern technology and a tougher anti-terrorism policy since 2014.
"We have transformed armed forces and BSF by deploying advanced surveillance systems and adopting a strong anti-terrorism policy," Shah said. He added that installation of anti-drone systems would begin within six months.
Four-Layer Security Grid
Shah called for a stronger four-layer security grid involving the BSF, Army, local administration, and residents of frontier villages to counter illegal border-crossings, smuggling, and drone threats.
Women's Barracks Inauguration
He virtually opened 14 newly built women's barracks at border outposts across Rajasthan. "Today, daughters are two steps ahead of sons in protecting the country's borders. By 2030, all required facilities for women personnel will be fully developed," he said.
Highlighting the expansion of facilities for women personnel, Shah noted that 79 barracks costing Rs 40 crore were sanctioned in Rajasthan, and construction of 67 had already been completed. Across India, 360 women's barracks are being built at a cost of Rs 200 crore.
Praise for BSF
Shah praised the BSF for operating in harsh desert and mountain conditions and credited the force with maintaining morale in border districts during Operation Sindoor last year, giving a "befitting reply" to Pakistan.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the Sanchu post, which saw fighting during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Shah said Pakistani troops attempted to capture the post, but Indian forces forced them to retreat in a fierce counterattack. "Sanchu is among the most historic posts on our border, having witnessed two major wars," he said, adding that he was the first Union home minister to visit the post.
Tribute and Environmental Efforts
Shah paid tribute to more than 2,000 BSF personnel killed in the line of duty and lauded the force for planting more than 7.35 crore saplings since 2019 as part of environmental campaigns. He reviewed modern drone surveillance systems and joined a plantation drive alongside Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
