The Border Security Force was raised on 01st December’ 1965 to guard India’s eastern and western borders. At national level BSF 58th Raising Day is being celebrated at Amritsar on 4th December 2022.
The BSF was constituted in the Indian Parliament on 01st December’ 1965 with the specific objective of serving as the First Line of Defence against infiltration, smuggling and military attacks on Indian borders after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Before the formation of the BSF, the police forces of the Indian states deployed on the Indian borders were tasked with Border guarding. Initially the BSF was formed with a force of 25 battalions, consisting of troops from various armed police forces of the states. Now with the passage of time the strength of this force has gone up to 193 battalions including 04 NDRF Battalions with about 2.65 lakh man power, apart from this BSF also has 07 Artillery Battalion, 08 Water Wings and 01 Air Wing and this BSF is regarded as the largest Border Guarding Force in the world. It guards the Indian Border with Pakistan on the western border and with Bangladesh on the eastern Border. BSF has come a long way in the service of the nation since 1965. Since its inception, the Border Security Force as a Central Armed Force has not only secured the borders of India but also assisted the civil administration on various occasions. Role of BSF during Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 and Kargil War against Pakistan, role of BSF in fighting terrorism in Punjab and Jammu Kashmir and role of BSF in containing naxalism in Chattisgargh and Odisha has been widely appreciated.
South Bengal Frontier is one of the most important Frontier of Eastern Command guarding 913 Kilometers of International Boundary with Bangladesh starting from Estuary Point in South to running all along Sunderban towards North upto Northern part of Malda District.
Operational achievements: During the current year, South Bengal Frontier has made remarkable achievements in the operational area. Due to relentless and persistent efforts of BSF Jawans, organised cattle smuggling has been brought to zero level. Other trans border crimes have also been curbed to a great extent. The following operational achievements have been made by the different units of South Bengal Frontier:-
Different Seizures–During current Year-
(i)Phensedyl Bottle Nos.=2,37,585 Price= Rs.4,64,64,360/-
(ii) Gold= 105.9 Kg, Price= Rs.54,74,57,683/-
(iii) Silver= 481.180 Kg, Price= Rs.2,50,74,961/-
(iv) Ganja= 2712 kg.
(v) Fake Indian Currency Notes= Rs.3,33,500/-
(vi) Narcotics= 35.8 kg
(vii) Yaba tablets Nos.= 10344, Price= Rs. 51,72,000/-
(viii)Cattle: 1030 Nos. Rs.1,43,05,431/-
(ix) Arms: 06 Nos.
(x) Ammunition: 05 Nos.
(xi) Total Seizure value: Rs.78,51,99,837/-
Use of latest technology, and low cost technological solutions in Border Management: Under ESVP(Electronic Surveillance For Vulnerable Patches) project comprehensive study was carried out and vulnerable patches were identified. Work on plugging of these patches by installation of CCTV, Bullet Camera, PTZ camera, Drone surveillance is under progress.
Deployment of Floating BOPs for better domination of Sunderbans:
This year 06 more Floating BOPs inducted in Sunderbans right from Estuary point to BOP Samshernagar which increased domination many fold and resulted in reduction in trans-border crimes.
BSF is able to provide security to Export/Import Vessels passing through International Trade Protocol Route through Sunderbans.
Maintaining Co-ordial relations with BGB and building confidence among border population:- In Border management, Border Guarding Forces, Border population and civil administration are the important pillars. For better coordination and synergy between these pillars BSF is taking several measures.
a. During 2022, 02 IG Level Talks, 04 Sector Commander Level meetings and 18 Battalion Commander level meetings were held between BSF and Border Guards Bangladesh. The level of cooperation and coordination between two border guarding forces is at highest level.
b. Maitree Cycle Rally was conducted From Silliguri to ICP Petrapol covering 550km.
Maitri Football Matches between BSF and BGB:02 (BOP Mahadipur, BOP Shikarpur)
Volleyball Matches between BSF and BGB: 02( BOP Ghojadanga, BOP Gede)
c. Various activities for benefit of border population organized by South Bengal Frontier:
(i) South Bengal Frontier conducted various activities on the Border which mainly include Medical Camp, Development of Infrastructure, Human Resource Development, Skill Development and Civic Action Programme. South Bengal Frontier conducted a total of 289 activities in 2021–22. During this, 53,852 Border residents were benefited.
(ii).Tree Plantation Program for Green and Clean Environment- Border Security Force has always been at the forefront of protecting and conserving the environment. All sector headquarters and battalions under the South Bengal Frontier played a leading role in this operation. A tree plantation program was organized in the Border area by BSF South Bengal Frontier personnel to celebrate World Environment Day on 05th June’ 2022. During these programs, various types of saplings were planted in the Border area of the battalions. South Bengal Frontier, BSF set a target of planting a total of 55,700 saplings in its area, which was also completed in given time. Along with protecting the Indian borders, the Border Security Force is also fulfilling its responsibility of keeping the environment clean.
(iii).Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign:- Under the aegies of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, creating awareness amongst border population and inculcating feeling of nationalism with ONE NATION, ONE IDENTITY South Bengal Frontier along with School Students, Teachers & local villagers organised Har Ghar Tiranga campaign covering almost every village and school of border area.
(iv).Teacher’s Day-2022:An extensive”School Outreach Programme” was conducted in which 56,650 students of 138 educational institutes were participated across all border area of South Bengal Frontier as well as hinterland prior to Teacher Day on 2 September 2022.
(v). Investiture Ceremony- Investiture ceremony was held on 19th September, 2022 at Vishwa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata in which 42 BSF personnel were awarded President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service by Shri Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, IPS, ADG (Eastern Command). Dr. Atul Fulzele, IPS, Inspector General, South Bengal Frontier welcomed the chief guest. 35 serving personnel and 07 retired members attended the ceremony to receive the medals. BSF officers, jawans and their family members were present during the investiture ceremony.
(vi) Seema Darshan Program: BSF started Seema Darshan Program for students under which they will be provided with opportunity to understand the life of Borderman, witness Retreat Ceremony at ICP Petrapole and visit of Border Out Post Kalyani.
(vii) Deployment of Mahila Prharis for frisking of women folk moving ahead of domination lined not only reduced trans border crimes but helping a lot in maintaining amicable relations with border population.
(viii) Better ICP Manangement*: With the implementation of Suvidha Portal at ICP Petrapole, Ghojadanga and LCS Mahadipur, the flow of goods truck through the ICP/LCS under South Bengal has smoothened. This has not only reduced the congestion at ICP/LCS but also increased the trade activities and trans border crime has decreased. BSF has maintained the pace with these enhanced activities.
The Border Security Force is committed round the clock to guard India’s eastern and western borders as the “First Line of Defence” with its motto “Jeevan Paryant Kartavya”.
