Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inspects the BSF’s Lankamura Border Outpost in Tripura and boosts the morale of the troops by interacting with the border sentinels

Paying tribute on the death anniversary of the revered ‘Guruji’-a symbol of boundless patience, unwavering hard work, and singular devotion to Mother India; the man who shaped the RSS, Guruji remains an enduring source of inspiration for the ‘Nation First’ ideal

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Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inspected the BSF’s Lankamura Border Outpost (BOP) in Tripura and boosted the morale of the troops by interacting with the border sentinels. On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Union Home Minister planted an agarwood tree in Agartala, the capital of Tripura, as part of a tree plantation drive. On this occasion, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Secretary (Border Management), and Director General of the Border Security Force, along with several other dignitaries, were present.

In his address on this occasion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that a tree plantation programme was also held here today. He noted that since 2019 to date, personnel from all our Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have planted more than 7.5 crore trees. He further stated that this year, between 40 lakh to  60 lakh trees will be planted, and all saplings that have not survived will be replanted. He added that next year, CAPF personnel will plant 2 crore trees, thereby contributing both to environmental protection and service to the nation.

On World Environment Day today, Shri Amit Shah highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and the work done by the Modi government in this direction. Shri Shah said that the ozone layer is what makes the sun’s rays suitable for humans and other living beings. He added that the only way to address this challenge is to increase the number of trees.

The Union Home Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken multiple initiatives simultaneously for environmental protection. He noted that in this direction, India’s model was recognized as an exemplary model at the Paris Conference. Shri Shah said that by achieving the targets of the Paris Agreement ahead of time, India has demonstrated its commitment to the protection of the environment, as reflected in the message of environmental preservation in the Rigveda, before the world. He further stated that all CAPF personnel are taking great care of each sapling by treating it as a member of their own family. This should not be a program driven by government orders, but rather a natural habit, for it is this very habit that can save us.

Amit Shah said that today the e-inauguration of personnel accommodation at the 37^th Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the e-foundation laying of the Quarter Guard complex at the 97^th Battalion of BSF were carried out. He said that the Modi Government has undertaken several initiatives to improve facilities for the personnel guarding the nation’s borders. Care has been taken not only of the health of the personnel but also of housing for their families. He said that the mere mention of the BSF evokes a sense of respect among the people of the country, signifying that the nation sees and acknowledges the hardships you face, and recognizes your penance, sacrifice, and dedication.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the BSF is responsible for securing the borders. He noted that these vast borders present different kinds of challenges at different locations. He said that the Modi Government has decided to develop “smart borders” wherever the Border Security Force (BSF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are deployed. Under a quadrilateral security strategy, the aim is to make borders impregnable by integrating local administration, technology, and the dedication of security personnel. Shri Shah said that the concept of smart borders is in its final stage and a pilot project will be launched soon. He added that the pilot will be implemented at seven or eight locations across different borders of the country simultaneously. Any initial challenges encountered during the pilot will be addressed, after which the initiative will be scaled up to cover the entire border network. The Home Minister further stated that District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, village patwaris, and sarpanches will also play an important role in this framework. He emphasized that until local administration in border areas is integrated into this concept, borders cannot be made truly impregnable. He said that imagining border security in isolation will never be successful.

Amit Shah said that the Tripura Frontier is very important for the security of the country’s borders.  He stated that, for the modernization of border fencing, we have also approved the installation of 119 kilometers of new fencing to replace a portion of the approximately 650 kilometers of fencing that is over 15 years old. He further said that several projects aimed at improving facilities for personnel at border outposts-such as electricity supply, green energy initiatives, and safe drinking water—have not only been initiated but also completed.

Union Home Minister said that Tripura is a sensitive state surrounded by borders on three sides. He stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set a vision of making India a fully developed nation by 2047. He said that to achieve this goal, India must first be made secure. The country must be protected from smuggling, human trafficking, drug abuse affecting youth. Shri Shah emphasized that the Government of India has undertaken the task of building a smart security grid that ensures security across all domains. He said that there is a need to transform the entire concept of border fencing and our work culture. It will be our responsibility to protect the country and its borders from every malaise affecting our society. Home Minister added that the concept of smart fencing and a quadrilateral security grid is being integrated into the work culture of all Central Armed Police Forces responsible for border security in the coming days.

Under the plantation drive, all offices of the Ministry of Home Affairs across the country, including the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles, National Security Guard (NSG), Delhi Police, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and Inter-State Council Secretariat (ISCS), planted more than 5 lakh saplings across the country today.