Latest news with #Outposts
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
BSF taps DRDO for tech to monitor Bangla border stretch in Sundarbans
Amid the Centre's crackdown on illegal immigration and cross-border terror networks, the Border Security Force (BSF) has sought the help of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for deployment of advanced surveillance systems — including drones, radars and satellites — along a critical 113-km stretch of the Sundarbans on the India-Bangladesh border. The request was made during a high-level coastal security review meeting chaired by the Secretary (Border Management) at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in North Block in the second week of May, shortly after Operation Sindoor. The focused move to identify and push back illegal Bangladeshi immigrants within 30 days of detention began after the Pahalgam attacks in April, and has gained momentum since Operation Sindoor. As part of this crackdown, the BSF has stepped up vigilance along the border and is now looking to rely more heavily on high-end surveillance technologies — including drones, radars, satellite imagery and CCTVs — to plug gaps in sensitive areas, especially the Sundarbans, which has long been a known route for illegal crossings. 'The BSF has proposed to bring nearly 113 kms under tech surveillance,' said an MHA official. 'They've already conducted a feasibility study, in consultation with ISRO and DRDO, and have asked DRDO to carry out field visits to identify the most effective solutions. However, DRDO is expected to take up the Sundarbans site only after it completes its current work on a similar project in Gujarat's creek areas.' The BSF currently monitors about 123 kms of the Sunderbans sector, much of it difficult terrain dotted with creeks and dense mangrove forests. The demand for a technology-first approach has grown following intelligence inputs that terror outfits are exploring India's riverine and maritime borders — especially through the Sundarbans — to infiltrate. The area, spread across remote islands and crisscrossed by tidal waterways, poses unique challenges for conventional patrolling. At present, the BSF relies on eight floating Border Outposts (BOPs) and 96 other patrol vessels to maintain vigilance. It has also approached the West Bengal government for land to construct seven observation towers and to allow more forest post co-locations — a model where BSF personnel share infrastructure with forest officials. Three such co-located posts already exist. However, the MHA official said progress has been uneven. 'Despite repeated surveys, officials from the Forest and State Revenue departments did not participate, which has stalled the process,' the official said. At the meeting last month, which was also attended by BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary, West Bengal government representatives are learnt to have said that they had surveyed seven sites and agreed to provide land at two. 'The co-location of three more BSF posts is still awaiting clearance from the Forest Department. Both sides were directed to explore alternate sites if needed and to jointly assess feasibility at each location,' the official said. The Sundarbans push comes amid growing concerns within the security establishment that a porous eastern frontier — unless sealed with urgency — could undermine efforts to curb both illegal immigration and terror infiltration. As part of its wider border strategy, the Centre has already deployed additional forces, stepped up deportation efforts, and expanded intelligence coordination across agencies. Mahender Singh Manral is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. He is known for his impactful and breaking stories. He covers the Ministry of Home Affairs, Investigative Agencies, National Investigative Agency, Central Bureau of Investigation, Law Enforcement Agencies, Paramilitary Forces, and internal security. Prior to this, Manral had extensively reported on city-based crime stories along with that he also covered the anti-corruption branch of the Delhi government for a decade. He is known for his knack for News and a detailed understanding of stories. He also worked with Mail Today as a senior correspondent for eleven months. He has also worked with The Pioneer for two years where he was exclusively covering crime beat. During his initial days of the career he also worked with The Statesman newspaper in the national capital, where he was entrusted with beats like crime, education, and the Delhi Jal Board. A graduate in Mass Communication, Manral is always in search of stories that impact lives. ... Read More
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Veterans Outpost opens in Cobb Co. to help with mental health, other resources
Mental resources and more are on the way to veterans in Cobb County. Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell got an exclusive tour of the new Veterans Outpost on Roswell Road that is scheduled to officially open on March 26. When veterans walk through the doors, they are walking into a building that feels more like a home. The laid-back setting with coaches and a coffee bar makes them feel a sense of comfort. A room filled with a shelf of activities will be therapeutic for those who need it. Veterans who are in need of mental health resources, housing options and more can meet privately in office spaces with staff, including an on-site clinician. TRENDING STORIES: Metro Atlanta nurse says she worked three 12-hour shifts before deadly crash Second teen suspect arrested in shooting death of 18-year-old on senior skip day 2 former GA teachers accused of having sexual contact with student 'We want to do a special effort for our veterans, but we have lots of resources to help with mental health struggles,' said Michael Mullet, who is the Director of Communications for Highland Rivers Behavioral Health. 'I struggled very, very hard the first year coming back I left the military,' Army veteran Jacob Clark said. Clark said getting resources from the VA was difficult. 'It took me four months to get an optometry appointment,' he said. Clark said the resources he received from Highland Rivers Behavioral Health made him a better father to his newborn and his career after service much smoother. 'I had a therapist and medication within a month and a half. They work tirelessly to find people who are willing to help veterans either free of charge or discounted rates to basically pick up where the VA doesn't,' Clark said. 'We're willing to serve all vets regardless of discharge status. We have an onsite clinician at the Vets Outpost,' said Steve Schmid, Director of Intensive Community and Veteran Services. Resources are also available to veteran's families. 'Veterans family members who are underinsured,' Schmid said. Highland Rivers Behavioral Health is hoping to open more Veterans Outposts in other counties. The Cobb County location will be open from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
