Patna: As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, Bihar has been placed on high alert, with heightened security measures across border districts and key urban centres. The state government has initiated emergency preparedness protocols, including the deployment of civil defence volunteers and enhanced surveillance along the India-Nepal border.
On Friday, Additional Chief Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, Pratyaya Amrit, convened a high-level meeting attended by the Director General of Civil Defence, Paresh Saxena. In the meeting, instructions were issued to step up security in districts bordering Nepal—East Champaran, West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj. Bihar shares a 729-km-long open border with Nepal, often seen as vulnerable to infiltration.
Civil defence volunteers will be increased and trained in Purnia, Katihar, Begusarai, Patna, and Gaya to bolster emergency response capabilities. Amrit also chaired a separate meeting with superintendents of all medical college hospitals in the state, directing them to ensure readiness with ambulances, medical supplies, oxygen, and personnel in accordance with guidelines from the central government.
“All government agencies are on 24-hour alert. The instructions from the Centre are being followed, and we are prepared to act swiftly on any new directives,” Amrit said after the meetings.
In a parallel move, all leaves for Bihar Police personnel and government staff have been suspended. Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector General and East Central Railway’s Chief Security Commissioner, Amresh Kumar, confirmed that major railway stations including Patna Junction are under high alert, with intensified patrolling and baggage checks.
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), tasked with guarding the Nepal border, has also cancelled leave for its jawans. Joint patrols with local police are being conducted in sensitive regions such as Valmikinagar in Bagaha, Raxaul in East Champaran, Bairgania and Bhitthamod in Sitamarhi, as well as Jaynagar, Madhavapur, and Laukha in Madhubani. Enhanced surveillance is also in place across Araria and Kishanganj districts.
Security agencies are particularly concerned about potential infiltration attempts by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, through the porous Nepal border.
