Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah visited the Border Security Force’s (BSF) Lankamura Border Outpost in Tripura, where he interacted with personnel and reviewed security arrangements along the India-Bangladesh border. The visit coincided with World Environment Day and included a tree plantation drive in Agartala, where Shah planted an agarwood sapling and emphasized the importance of environmental conservation.
Addressing BSF personnel and officials, Shah praised the dedication and sacrifices of border guards and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving their living and working conditions. He highlighted initiatives undertaken by the Modi government to modernize border infrastructure, including improved housing, electricity, green energy facilities, and access to safe drinking water at border outposts.
The Home Minister announced that India is preparing to launch a “Smart Border” pilot project at multiple locations across the country. The initiative will integrate advanced technologies such as drones, sensors, smart fencing, and surveillance systems to strengthen border management. He emphasized that border security cannot function in isolation and requires coordination among local administrations, including district officials, police, village representatives, and security forces.
Shah also outlined plans for large-scale modernization of border fencing. The government has approved 119 kilometers of new advanced fencing and initiated the renovation of approximately 650 kilometers of aging border barriers. He noted that the BSF continues to effectively combat challenges such as narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and drone-related threats across border regions.
On environmental protection, Shah stated that Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have planted over 7.5 crore trees since 2019 and will plant an additional 2 crore saplings next year. More than 5 lakh saplings were planted nationwide on World Environment Day by organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Home Minister said that strengthening border security and environmental sustainability are both essential to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed and secure India by 2047.
