Silchar, December 19, 2005 (The Telegraph)

After an in-depth analysis over the past 18 months, Delhi has agreed to import a hi-tech sensor system from the US for surveillance purpose. The system will ensure a more effective vigil along the country’s western and eastern borders.

A senior official of the Border Security Force (BSF) has disclosed that New Delhi was happy with reports of the effectiveness of the sensor system. The reports are based on studies undertaken from time to time by the senior officials of the Union home, defence, science and technology and finance ministries.

The source said the first assessment of the sophisticated gadget was carried out by defence ministry officials at the manufacturer’s plant in New Mexico. It was followed by a series of appraisals by officials of the home and other ministries.

Sources in the BSF said the gadget was an invention of Sandia Laboratories in New Mexico. It is now effectively used along the US-Mexico border.

Sources added that such customised sensors had become highly effective in detecting movements of illegal entrants. The infra-red cameras embedded in such systems accurately take snap-shots of persons moving about within 30 metres on either side of the border. Another advantage of this device is its capability to detect persons sneaking across porous border and then draw his full apparition on the basis of his or her photographs.

This is the second major initiative undertaken by New Delhi to check infiltration into this country.

The first step was the installation of floodlights mounted on high posts along the border. That idea was mooted by the BSF to prevent infiltrators from sneaking across at night.

The BSF confirmed that the second phase of construction of fencing along 71.5 km stretch on the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam, at the cost of Rs 133.4 crore, is expected to be over by early 2007.

A slew of construction agencies including the Engineering Projects India Limited, Central Public Works Department and National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) have been asked to erect the 8.5-feet iron fences along the border in this state.