Tripura Police and BSF will strengthen India-Bangladesh border security ahead of Durga Puja from October 16, deploying 11,000 personnel, increasing surveillance, launching anti-drug drives and introducing traffic restrictions to ensure public safety across the state.
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Tripura Police will strengthen security along the India-Bangladesh border ahead of the five-day Durga Puja festival beginning October 16. The state police will also launch a special drive against drug-related activities and deploy around 11,000 personnel to maintain law and order during the festivities, senior officials said.
Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Rao said the BSF would intensify its vigil along the international border, while Tripura Police would increase surveillance in border villages to prevent illegal activities and maintain security during the festival.
Addressing concerns about border management, Rao said that out of the 856-km international border shared by Tripura and Bangladesh, approximately 806 km had been fenced. The remaining 50 km remained unfenced due to geographical challenges, including difficult terrain, water bodies and forested areas.
He said the BSF and Tripura Police were jointly preparing proposals for the proposed Smart Border Project and would work together to implement the initiative.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced during his visit to Tripura in June that the Central Government would establish an advanced border security grid under the Smart Border Project. The proposed system would use modern technologies, including drones, radars and advanced cameras, to strengthen surveillance and help prevent infiltration.
The Home Minister had also directed the BSF in Tripura, Assam and West Bengal to coordinate with district administrations, police stations, panchayats and patwaris to improve border security.
Tripura shares an 856-km international border with Bangladesh and is surrounded by the neighbouring country on three sides. Its geographical location makes border management a significant concern, particularly regarding cross-border migration, infiltration, smuggling and other illegal activities.
Meanwhile, Tripura Police will conduct a special anti-drug drive in Agartala and other urban areas during the Durga Puja celebrations. According to DGP Rao, approximately 11,000 personnel from Tripura Police and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) will be deployed throughout the state to manage crowds, prevent crime and ensure public safety.
Hundreds of plainclothes security personnel will also be stationed on moving trains and at crowded and important locations to monitor suspicious activities and respond to criminal incidents.
To strengthen surveillance, watchtowers, 218 CCTV cameras, and police and traffic assistance booths will be established in Agartala and other district towns. These arrangements are intended to support round-the-clock monitoring and provide assistance to residents and visitors.
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The police will also introduce a green corridor to facilitate the movement of ambulances and other emergency vehicles during the festival. Traffic restrictions will be imposed on vehicles and two-wheelers during peak hours in areas experiencing heavy crowds near major Durga Puja pandals.
Officials expect more than 2,900 community Durga Pujas and over 100 family Pujas to be organised across Tripura this year. West Tripura district alone is expected to host around 720 celebrations, attracting large numbers of devotees and visitors.
The combined security, surveillance and traffic management measures are aimed at ensuring peaceful Durga Puja celebrations while maintaining public order, controlling drug-related activities and facilitating emergency services across the state.
