Why in the News?
The West Bengal Cabinet approved the transfer of 31.905 acres of land at nine locations and 1.53 acres for three new Border Outposts (BOPs) to the Border Security Force (BSF) for border fencing and security infrastructure.
Why Does the Centre Need State Approval for Border Fencing?
- Although border security is a Union subject, the land on which fencing and Border Outposts are built is administered by the State Government under State List Entry 18.
- Therefore, the Centre must rely on the State for:
- Transfer of government land.
- Acquisition of private land.
- Revenue and environmental clearances.
- Compensation and rehabilitation.
- Support from district administration.
Centre-State Disputes over BSF Jurisdiction
- In 2021, the Centre extended the BSF’s jurisdiction from 15 km to 50 km inside Punjab, West Bengal, and Assam (while reducing it in Gujarat).
- Some States opposed the move, citing federalism and State autonomy.
- 2024 Supreme Court Judgment: Upheld the Centre’s notification, holding that it does not dilute the powers of State Police and is intended to strengthen border security.
What is the Border Security Force (BSF)?
- Border Security Force (BSF): A Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Guards India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh during peacetime.
- Prevents cross-border crimes and manages Border Outposts (BOPs).
Key Highlights
- Land transferred for border fencing and construction of three new BOPs.
- Implements the Calcutta High Court’s January 2026 directive.
- Aims to strengthen border surveillance and security.
Why is West Bengal Important?
- Shares 2,216.7 km of the 4,096.7 km India-Bangladesh border (about 54%), the longest among all States.
- Around 569 km of the border remains unfenced, making it crucial for completing the national fencing project.
Key Agreements
- Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), 2011: Framework for coordination between BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
- Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), 2015: Resolved enclave exchange and adverse possession issues between India and Bangladesh.
Challenges
- Riverine and marshy terrain limits conventional fencing.
- Land acquisition and environmental clearances delay projects.
- Border communities face livelihood and mobility concerns.
- Persistent issues of smuggling, illegal migration and human trafficking.
[2016, GS3, 12.5 marks] Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.
[2026] Which of the following with reference to Indian States is/are not correct?
1. Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with the highest number of other Indian States.
2. Rajasthan shares the longest international border among all Indian States.
3. Sikkim is the only State that shares its boundary with just one other Indian State.
Select the answer using the code given below :
[A] 1 only
[B] 1 and 2
[C] 2 and 3
[D] 3 only