CROCODILE & SNAKE PATROLS

NEWS: BSF Plans ‘Crocodile & Snake Patrols’ on Bangladesh Border

Background

• The Border Security Force (BSF) is exploring: Use of reptiles (snakes & crocodiles)
• Purpose: Prevent infiltration & criminal activities along the Bangladesh border

REASONS:

Geographical Challenges

• Large parts of the border: Riverine (along rivers), Flood-prone
• Terrain includes: Hills, rivers, valleys
• Result: Physical fencing is difficult

Objective of the Plan

• Prevent: Illegal migration, Cross-border crimes, Anti-national activities
• Reptiles seen as: Natural deterrents in difficult terrain

Challenges Involved

• Practical Challengesà How to: Procure reptiles, Control their movement
• Risk: Harm to local population
• Safety Concerns–>Flood-prone regions: Reptiles may move unpredictably
• Use of animals as security tools–>Impact on ecosystem balance

Key Data Points

• Total India-Bangladesh border: ~4,096 km
• Approved fencing: ~3,326 km
• Completed fencing: ~2,954 km
• Remaining: ~371 km