Rajnath Singh interacting with Border Security Force personnel in Jammu on Monday.@rajnathsingh/Twitter@rajnathsingh/Twitter  

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated the first phase of hi-tech ‘smart fencing’ of a 11 km stretch on the International Border (IB) in Jammu.

The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) would provide for round-the-clock laser-guided surveillance of the borders, he said at the BSF Headquarters in Jammu’s Ploura. Mr. Singh said border security was his top most priority.

“The smart fencing project will initially be implemented to cover gaps in the physical fencing. Eventually, this technology will be implemented across the entire border,” he said.

The smart fencing is a web of surveillance, communication and data storage devices. It will enable surveillance during difficult weather conditions and reduce the need for physical patrolling of the borders. It will rely on thermal imaging, infra-red and laser-based intruder alarms to stop infiltration.

A total of 2,026 km border was vulnerable. “Digital fencing will make it virtually impossible for terrorists to infiltrate,” he said.

The Minister stressed the need to upgrade the border infrastructure. “More than 600 km of roads have been built in border areas and hundreds of border outposts have been built already,” he said.

Mr. Singh appealed to political parties to participate in the upcoming civic bodies elections, even as the CPI(M) too joined the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in boycotting the polls.

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