The West Bengal government has transferred approximately 32 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing along the India–Bangladesh border, resolving a process that had been delayed for several years.
Details of Land Transfer
Panchayat Minister Dilip Ghosh announced that in accordance with the decision taken at the first Cabinet meeting to hand over land to the BSF for fencing, the government has allocated 31.905 acres across nine locations in the state along the Bangladesh border. This marks a significant step in strengthening border security.
Ghosh further stated that a proposal has been submitted to the state Cabinet for the transfer of approximately 1.53 acres of land in the districts of Malda, Murshidabad, and Cooch Behar. This land is intended for the establishment of permanent border outposts along the international border at these three locations.
Additional Proposals
Another proposal has been made to facilitate the transfer of around 12.72 acres of land for fencing work at 11 locations in Uttar Dinajpur district, as informed by the minister.
The Cabinet also considered a proposal to transfer 20 acres of government land at Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district to the forest department. Ghosh elaborated that these land parcels will subsequently be handed over for the Sevak–Rangpo railway line project.
Historical Context
The issue of land transfer has been a contentious one in the state. The previous government had repeatedly delayed handing over land to the BSF for border fencing along the international boundary. The Calcutta High Court had previously criticized the earlier administration for the delays and the confusion surrounding the matter.
This development is part of ongoing efforts to secure the India-Bangladesh border and improve infrastructure in the region.
