The India-Bangladesh border fencing project has been a significant undertaking, aimed at enhancing border security between the two nations. However, recent analysis from ThePrint indicates that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to miss the March 2024 deadline to complete the fencing along the extensive 4,096.7 km border.
As per the MHA’s report for the year 2022-23, approximately 3,180.65 km of the border has been successfully fenced, leaving a substantial 915.35 km yet to be completed. The slow pace of this project raises questions about the reasons behind the delays.
Several factors contribute to the sluggish progress of the fencing project. Among these, geographical challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, issues related to land acquisition, and protests from border populations have been identified as primary obstacles. These challenges complicate the timely and efficient completion of the project.
The progress in the recent fiscal year has been notably slow, with only 35.653 km of fencing accomplished in 2022-23. This raises concerns about whether the remaining border will be covered adequately and timely.
Questions have arisen regarding the potential use of non-physical methods for border security. However, the MHA reports do not clarify how much of the remaining border will be secured through traditional fencing as opposed to technological solutions such as sensors and cameras.
Comparing this initiative to similar international projects reveals a complex landscape. High costs and the effectiveness of technological systems for border security are common issues faced globally, with varied results observed in different contexts, such as the US-Mexico border.
States play a crucial role in this project, particularly in terms of land acquisition. However, infrastructure delays and bureaucratic processes often hinder progress, leading to significant setbacks in the fencing initiative.
Land acquisition continues to be a major hurdle, with states often lacking the necessary manpower and expertise. This deficiency results in inadequate maintenance of land records and significant delays in project execution.
In areas where physical barriers are not viable, the MHA is considering technological alternatives. Technologies such as sensors and cameras could be implemented, although there are ongoing concerns about their effectiveness and associated costs.
Research indicates that approximately 75-80% of the border requires physical fencing, while the remaining 20% may rely on technological surveillance solutions to ensure comprehensive security.
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