Agartala, June 5 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reiterated that the government will establish an impregnable border security grid by launching the ‘Smart Border Project’, equipped with drones, modern cameras and advanced surveillance technologies. Addressing BSF personnel at the Lankamura Border Outpost along the India-Bangladesh border in West Tripura district, the Home Minister said that the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 would not be possible without ensuring the country’s security.

HM Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working towards making India a developed nation by 2047. Before achieving complete development and fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision, it is essential to ensure a fully secure nation. He added that the country is not only dealing with traditional challenges of war or conflict, but also facing serious threats such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, cattle smuggling, youth drug abuse, and the circulation of fake currency that affects the national economy.

Lauding the role of BSF personnel in guarding sensitive borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, HM Shah said the country’s citizens appreciate the dedication, perseverance and commitment of BSF jawans, ften more than that of ministers and bureaucrats. Referring to the ‘Smart Border Fencing’ initiative, which is proposed to be implemented at around 7-8 selective locations across different states where BSF and SSB are deployed, he said the project is in its finalisation stage, and a pilot project will be launched next year.

He further said the full-fledged Smart Border Project will be implemented after evaluating the shortcomings identified during the pilot phase. “Border security will be ensured in totality, not in a fragmented manner,” the Home Minister said. HM Shah noted that the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh present different challenges, particularly in relation to drug smuggling, infiltration, human trafficking, and the dropping of arms and narcotics via drones, along with other malicious activities originating from across the border.

The Home Minister said the government is fully aware of the issues faced by BSF personnel and their families and has taken several measures to address their concerns and improve welfare conditions. He also asserted that the government will not tolerate demographic changes in West Bengal, Tripura and Bihar due to infiltration, and said the Centre is taking steps to strengthen border management and bridge existing gaps in security arrangements. At the beginning of his address, HM Shah paid tribute on the death anniversary of Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, the second Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, widely revered as “Shri Guruji”.

The Home Minister said ‘Shri Guruji’ dedicated his entire life to nation-building, character-building and the preservation of Indian culture, and left behind a legacy of ascetic discipline that continues to inspire generations. “Doing great work but never seeking recognition, he had immense dedication towards the development of the country, its security, culture, history, language and heritage, and inspired lakhs of karyakartas across the nation,” HM Shah said.

Reiterating that Guruji laid a strong ideological foundation for cultural nationalism and established service as the greatest force in nation-building, HM Shah said the RSS under his leadership carried out public awakening across all spheres of national life and elevated national consciousness to new heights. He added that Guruji’s ideas of self-reliance (Swadeshi) and national resurgence will continue to inspire the younger generation to always work in the interest of the nation. Among those present at the event were Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, Secretary (Border Management) Rajendra Kumar, Director General of BSF Praveen Kumar, and Inspector General of BSF Tripura Frontier Alok Chakraborty.