BSF plans elevated road in Rann of Kutch

NEW DELHI: Due to repeated breaching of fences and inaccessibility of border areas in Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, BSF in coordination with CRRI ( Central Road Research Institute) is building an elevated corridor for unhindered patrolling of the area. The marshy lands of the border are not suitable for on-the-surface road as they often get flooded.

In a bid to improve its firepower on the border and mobility in Naxal-infested areas, the force is also upgrading its artillery and buying eight more MI-17 V5 choppers which would be deployed in Naxal areas.

The Kutch area is one of the most inhospitable terrains for security forces as the marshy land and saline water make human survival difficult.

"We want to have a good road connectivity. We are also looking at some technology solutions so that we can secure the border area more effectively," outgoing BSF director general Subhash Joshi told reporters here. Another officer said, "We are building an elevated corridor with help from CRRI."

Joshi retired on Friday after over 37 years in Indian Police Service (IPS). He headed the BSF for over a year after leading the elite counter-terror force NSG.

He said the force is focused on security measures and upgradations being made in this area which shares its waters with Pakistan including the notorious 'harami nala' area where fishermen of both countries often cross over into each other's territory.

The DG also said the force has prepared a proposal to upgrade its war stores, artillery and firing systems which it essentially deploys along the Pakistan border under the command of the Army. "We want to upgrade our firing systems on the lines of the Army that is based on computer technology," he said.

The force, which has an exclusive air wing, is also scheduled to get by end of the year new choppers which will be deployed for anti-Naxal operations and for serving high-altitude border posts along Bangladesh in Mizoram. Eight modern military choppers, Mi-17 V-5, have been sanctioned for the 2.4-lakh strong force and these will be imported from Russia.

Talking about welfare measures for the troops, Joshi said he was concerned over the "delay in promotions" in the constabulary. The paramilitary force had devised some internal mechanism to ease grievances.

In BSF, a constable usually takes 21-22 years to get promoted to the next rank as compared to other central forces where these men and women get an elevation in designation in about 17-18 years.

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BSF plans elevated road in Rann of Kutch