India's first 'Smart Fence' pilot project inaugurated along Indo-Pak border

India's first 'Smart Fence' pilot project was inaugurated along two 5-km each patches of India-Pakistan International Border in Jammu and Kashmir.

• It was launched by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh from Border Security Force (BSF) Headquarters in Ploura, J&K.

About the Smart Fence pilot project:

• The initiative has been taken up by BSF as part of the comprehensive integrated border management system (CIBMS).
• The pilot project involves deploying of laser-activated fences and technology-enabled barriers to plug vulnerable gaps along the frontiers.
• It uses number of devices for surveillance, communication and data storage. 
• It also comprises automated surveillance technology and alarm detection systems.
• It also has sensors like thermal imager, underground sensors, fiber optical sensors, radar and sonar mounted on different platforms like aerostat, tower and poles as part of the Smart Fence.
• The smart fences along with other gadgets are integrated with CCTV-live feed which is routed to BSF post so that immediate action can be taken against any intrusion or infiltration attempt.
• The shortcomings of this pilot project will be addressed to make Comprehensive Integrated Border Management system fool proof before it is extended to other areas.

Significance of the Smart Fence system:

• Smart fence system is a technological solution devised to make security system at borders more strong and effective.
• It will help to provide round-the-clock surveillance along the border, even in harsh weather conditions such dust storm, fog or rain.
• It is expected to be a massive boon for monitoring security situations in border areas.
• It will make virtually impossible for terrorists to infiltrate into Indian side of border.

Background of the Smart Fence:

• Earlier this year, BSF had operationalised first smart fence on riverine stretch of Indian border with Bangladesh in Assam.
• The riverine stretch where first smart fence was put up was previously patrolled by BSF speedboats.
• Due to its geographical features, no outpost was erected in the area which often led to incidents like illegal migrations, smuggling etc. going unchecked.
• The introduction of the fence was done to bring down such instances.

Question:

Q. Where was India's first 'Smart Fence' pilot project inaugurated along two 5-km each patches of India-Pakistan International Border?
a. Rajasthan
b. Jammu and Kashmir
c. Gujarat
d. Punjab