Crocodiles and snakes for security? BSF weighs plan for Indo-Bangla border

NEW DELHI: The Border Security Force (BSF) is studying the feasibility of releasing crocodiles and snakes in the "vulnerable" riverine gaps along the India-Bangladesh international border to curb illegal infiltration and cross-frontier crimes, officials said on Monday.

The plan was discussed during a meeting at the force's headquarters in Delhi on February 9. Following this, field units along the 4,096-km front were asked to provide their opinion.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), about 856 km of this frontier remains unfenced, owing to difficult geography like dense forests and riverine areas.

The BSF proposed that the force should explore the "feasibility" of deploying reptiles like snakes and crocodiles in vulnerable riverine gaps to achieve "operational" successes in line with the Union home minister's directions, officials told PTI.

The officials said that several field commanders pointed out that placing reptiles in the riverine areas is not feasible. They noted that many border areas are inhabited and, during floods, it could cause problems for the local population if these animals are present.

"This was an idea discussed in a February meeting chaired by BSF DG Praveen Kumar. The idea was to determine the plan's feasibility. The force is studying the responses sent by the field commanders," a senior officer of the border force said.

There are several other proposals for deploying a variety of technology tools and surveillance gadgets to make this border safe and secure, a second officer said.

The India-Bangladesh border is prone to infiltration from the neighbouring country, as well as various cross-border crimes like human trafficking and smuggling of drugs, fake Indian currency notes and arms and ammunition.