Amit Shah Unveils Smart Border Vision During Tripura Visit

The Home Minister said that once operational challenges are identified and resolved during the pilot phase, the system will be expanded across the country's border network.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Border Security Force's Lankamura Border Outpost in Tripura on World Environment Day, where he interacted with personnel guarding the international border and reviewed security arrangements. The visit combined discussions on national security with environmental conservation, reflecting the government's twin focus on safeguarding both the country's borders and its natural resources.

During the programme in Agartala, Shah planted an agarwood sapling as part of a nationwide tree plantation campaign led by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and senior officials from the Union Home Ministry, Intelligence Bureau and Border Security Force were present on the occasion. Speaking at the event, Shah highlighted the large-scale plantation efforts undertaken by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). He said that since 2019, more than 7.5 crore trees have been planted by CAPF personnel across the country. Plans are in place to plant another 40 lakh to 60 lakh saplings this year, while replacing those that did not survive. He also announced a target of planting 2 crore trees next year.

Smart Border Pilot to Begin Soon

A major announcement during the visit was the government's plan to roll out a pilot project for "smart borders," a technology-driven security system aimed at strengthening border management. According to Shah, the concept has reached its final stage of planning and pilot projects will soon be launched at seven or eight locations across different international borders. The initiative seeks to combine advanced technology, local administration and security personnel into a unified security framework. He explained that border security cannot depend solely on armed forces. District administrations, police officials, village-level functionaries and local community representatives will also be integrated into the model. The objective is to create a comprehensive security grid capable of addressing challenges such as smuggling, human trafficking and cross-border crime. The Home Minister said that once operational challenges are identified and resolved during the pilot phase, the system will be expanded across the country's border network.

New Facilities for BSF Personnel and Border Infrastructure

During the programme, Shah also virtually inaugurated accommodation facilities for personnel of the BSF's 37th Battalion and laid the foundation stone for a Quarter Guard complex at the 97th Battalion through electronic inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies.

He noted that the government has undertaken several measures in recent years to improve the living conditions of personnel stationed along the borders. Housing, healthcare, drinking water facilities, electricity supply and green energy projects have been prioritized to support the welfare of security forces and their families.

Highlighting the importance of the Tripura frontier, Shah said the state occupies a strategic position due to its extensive international border. He announced that approval has been granted for the replacement of 119 kilometres of ageing border fencing as part of broader modernization efforts. Sections of the existing fencing are more than 15 years old and require upgrading.

The Home Minister stressed that a secure India is essential for achieving the vision of a developed nation by 2047. He said efforts are underway to build an integrated security framework capable of protecting the country from threats ranging from smuggling and narcotics trafficking to illegal cross-border activities. As part of the nationwide World Environment Day campaign, more than five lakh saplings were planted across offices and units under the Ministry of Home Affairs, including CAPFs, Delhi Police, NIA, NDRF, NSG and several other agencies.