In the first, the swampy Sundarbans get soon fenced off; BSF to expedite collaboration with other government departments.

BSF DG Praveen Kumar interacting with people in Sundarbans. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

In a first, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to fence about 90 kilometers of the Sundarbans along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, a challenging terrain characterized by mangrove forests, tidal flats, embankments and numerous streams.

The Border Security Force (BSF), which is deployed along the Bangladesh border, has started a feasibility and technical study to construct a fence along the land border with Bangladesh, a senior government official told The Hindu. Currently, there are no obstacles on the ground and the BSF has deployed Floating Border Bases (FBOPs) in the riverine areas to secure the border. Plans are afoot to strengthen naval patrols, the official said.

Praveen Kumar, Director General, BSF, visited the Sundarbans from July 11 to 14 and reviewed the progress of the fencing work.

“No fencing has been done in the Sundarbans so far. The locals have been told that fencing is a requirement and that it is vital for national security. A joint inspection by the BSF and the Irrigation Department will begin soon,” the official said.

As part of the public outreach, the BSF Director General met local residents and government officials posted in the area, a BSF statement said.

Nearly 71 km of the border adjoins the Sundarbans Nature Reserve where no construction work is allowed as it is a protected area, the official said.

“The three-day security review conducted by the DG focused on the time-bound completion of the fence-related works. The need for more searchlights and surveillance cameras to support sea dominance was discussed,” the official said.

Another official said that people were worried about getting their land for the construction of the fence, adding that the project had gained momentum after the change of government in West Bengal.

“The previous government did not allow any joint land survey in the Sundarbans. Many people are afraid of losing their land and homes. Several middle-class hotels and lodges operating in the area have also raised concerns as they might be asked to relocate. They have been assured that the government will compensate and rehabilitate them,” the official said.

After the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government in neighboring Bangladesh in August 2024, the BSF increased patrolling and deployment along the border to prevent infiltration and other crimes.

“Though Sundarbans is not a preferred route for infiltrators, it is used for cross-border crimes. Additional security measures have been taken here after August 2024,” the official said.

The total length of the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal is 2,216.7 km.

Published – 15 Jul 2026 21:42 IST