West Bengal Allocates Additional Land for Strengthening India-Bangladesh Border

The West Bengal administration has allocated 142.79 acres to the Border Security Force (BSF) for new outposts and barbed-wire installations along the India-Bangladesh border. This endeavor aims to bolster the region's security, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

This step is part of a broader BJP government plan, announced during its first cabinet meeting on May 11, to convey a total of 600 acres for enhancing border infrastructure within 45 days. "The West Bengal government has redoubled efforts to strengthen border security by facilitating BSF constructions, which further enhance the region's security," Adhikari remarked via social media on Wednesday evening.

Adhikari shared a detailed district-wise report, indicating land allocations across nine regions: 22.92 acres in Coochbehar, 35.16 acres in Jalpaiguri, 8.81 acres in Darjeeling, 2.84 acres in Uttar Dinajpur, and 20.17 acres in Dakshin Dinajpur. Other allocations include 10.9 acres in Malda, 38.8 acres in Murshidabad, 0.55 acre in Nadia, and 2.6 acres in North 24 Parganas.

In the initiative's first phase, 43 acres of purchased land and 31.9 acres of vested land sanctions were turned over to the BSF on May 20. This land allocation forms part of a larger strategic outline by Adhikari involving increased fencing efforts and tightening administrative measures against illegal migration.

West Bengal shares the longest border with Bangladesh at 2,217 kilometers. Presently, around 1,600 kilometers are fenced, leaving about 600 kilometers still open.

(With inputs from agencies.)