BSF is considering a unique plan to stop infiltration on the India-Bangladesh border. In riverine areas where fencing is difficult, the possibility of deploying snakes and crocodiles for security is being explored.
New Delhi: To further strengthen the security on the India-Bangladesh border, the Border Security Force (BSF) is working on a very unique idea. According to a report in ‘The Hindu’, BSF is considering using snakes and crocodiles to prevent infiltration and smuggling in riverine border areas where fencing is difficult.
A large part of India’s eastern border, especially the border with Bangladesh, consists of rivers. Here, due to geographical challenges and frequent floods, traditional fencing is a very difficult task. In such a situation, BSF is exploring whether deploying natural predatory animals, such as snakes and crocodiles, at these places can be an effective way to stop infiltration.
This idea has come after a suggestion by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. BSF Headquarters has ordered its field units to study the practicality of this plan. This was discussed in a high-level meeting held in Delhi on 9 February. In the meeting, reports have been sought from field units whether these reptiles can be used for security in certain parts of the border.
The plan is still in the initial stage
Officials have clarified that this proposal has not been implemented yet, it is only being considered. A BSF official said, “There are many practical problems in this idea. Like, where will these animals be brought from? How will they be handled? And most importantly, how will the safety of the common people living near the border be ensured? We will have to study all these questions seriously.”
Debate broke out on social media
As soon as this news came out, a debate broke out on social media. Some people are calling it a creative idea to protect the border by using the natural ecosystem. At the same time, some people are raising doubts by calling it like a film story. People are raising questions that how will the snakes be controlled and will it not pose any threat to the local people?