India makes various efforts to prevent infiltration along the border with Bangladesh, but despite this, incidents of infiltration continue to occur. In response, the Indian government is working on a special plan to combat these infiltrators. Now, infiltration along the riverine portion of the Indian border with Bangladesh will be prevented using snakes and crocodiles.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has instructed its field units to explore the possibility of deploying snakes and crocodiles along sensitive riverine sections along the India-Bangladesh border, where there is a risk of infiltration and criminal activity. On March 26, a signal was sent from BSF headquarters to all field units along the Bangladesh border, stating that the use of reptiles was in accordance with the instructions of Home Minister Amit Shah. This discussion followed a meeting held at BSF headquarters in Delhi on February 9.
However, this directive faces several challenges, the main ones being:
How to manage snakes and crocodiles.
This could impact the local population living along the river.
Currently, instructions have been issued to explore all possibilities in light of the above challenges.
It is worth noting that the Border Security Force (BSF) is the primary force responsible for guarding India’s borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan. However, a large portion of the eastern border with Bangladesh is flood-prone, and fencing is difficult. Since these areas are also densely populated, the proposed use of snakes and crocodiles could pose risks to residents on both sides of the border, especially during floods.
This move comes amid persistent concerns about smuggling and infiltration along the eastern border. In January of this year, BSF troops from the 32nd Battalion, South Bengal Frontier, intercepted a gold smuggler at the India-Bangladesh border in Nadia district, West Bengal, and seized gold biscuits worth approximately ₹1 crore (approximately $10 million). The suspect attempted to flee, but the troops pursued and apprehended him.
It is worth noting that a plan to deploy snake and crocodile traps at sensitive locations along the river is being explored and evaluated operationally. Officials clarified that the idea is still in its initial stages and has not yet been implemented. The instructions regarding reptiles have not yet been implemented.