Muzaffarpur: Security and surveillance along the India-Nepal border in Bihar are set to be strengthened with the construction of 108 watchtowers across six border districts, amid concerns over increased anti-India activities and other developments along the frontier.
The Bihar Home Department has written to the district magistrates of West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul and Araria, seeking land for the proposed watchtowers.
In a letter issued by Home Department Under Secretary Manish Kumar, the department said surveillance and operational capabilities along Bihar’s international border with Nepal need to be strengthened. Watchtowers have been proposed at strategically identified locations across the six districts.
Land sought on priority basis
The state government has asked the district administrations to identify and transfer land measuring 10 metres by 10 metres, or 100 square metres, for each watchtower.
The department has directed that acquisition and transfer of the required land be accorded the highest priority and sought that suitable land be made available at the earliest to facilitate construction.
Concerns over activities along border
The move comes amid concerns over several activities along the India-Nepal border, including alleged encroachment and permanent construction in parts of the no-man’s land.
Officials are also monitoring the condition of border pillars, with reports that several pillars along the frontier are either missing or damaged.
Security agencies are also keeping a close watch on developments inside Nepal, particularly in the Madhesh region, where unrest has raised concerns about possible movement of people across the open India-Nepal border.
Authorities are also seeking to strengthen surveillance to prevent smuggling and monitor movement along the border.
The proposed watchtowers are expected to improve visibility and surveillance at strategically important points and strengthen the operational capabilities of agencies deployed along the Bihar-Nepal frontier.
