Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah inspected the BSF's Lankamura Border Outpost in Tripura on World Environment Day, where he interacted with troops and participated in a tree plantation drive. The event was attended by Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Union Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau, Secretary (Border Management), and Director General of Border Security Force.
Shah announced that CAPF personnel have planted over 7.5 crore trees since 2019, with plans to plant 2 crore trees next year and replant any non-surviving saplings. On World Environment Day, various Ministry of Home Affairs offices including CAPFs, Assam Rifles, NSG, Delhi Police, NCB, NCRB, NIA, BPR&D, NDRF, NDMA, and ISCS planted over 5 lakh saplings nationwide.
The Home Minister emphasized India's environmental leadership, noting that the country achieved Paris Agreement targets ahead of schedule and has been recognized as an exemplary model. He highlighted the government's border security modernization initiatives, including the upcoming launch of a 'Smart Border' pilot project at 7-8 locations across different borders. The smart security grid will integrate cutting-edge technology, drones, sensors, and smart fencing through a quadrilateral security strategy involving local administration, technology, and security personnel.
Border infrastructure improvements include renovation of 650 km of old fencing (over 15 years old), approval for 119 km of new modern fencing, and enhanced facilities at border outposts including electricity, green energy, and safe drinking water. Shah emphasized that border security requires integration of District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, village patwaris, and sarpanches alongside modern technology and BSF personnel to create a leak-proof security grid.
The Tripura Frontier was identified as critically important for national security, with the state being sensitive due to borders on three sides. The BSF was praised for successfully tackling challenges including narcotics, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and drone threats across borders from Tripura to Bengal and Bihar.