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Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
BSF's camel retirement initiative breathes new life into Raj's desert icons
Jaisalmer: In the sun-scorched dunes of Rajasthan, where the camel—commonly known as the 'ship of the desert'—has long been a symbol of resilience, a groundbreaking initiative by the Border Security Force (BSF) is ensuring these majestic creatures avoid a grim fate. Once destined for slaughterhouses after being deemed unproductive, retired BSF camels are now finding new homes and purposes through a unique conservation and rehabilitation campaign. By transferring these animals to border villages, the BSF is not only preserving Rajasthan's state animal, but also empowering local communities with fresh livelihood opportunities. For decades, the BSF relied on camels for patrolling the rugged India-Pakistan border, with approximately 450 currently deployed along the Rajasthan frontier. These camels, acquired at five to six years of age, serve for 10 years or until they reach the age of 16, after which they were historically auctioned off, often facing neglect or slaughter. About seven years ago, BSF halted these auctions, taking responsibility for the care of around 100 retired camels stationed at border posts. Now, under a plan initiated by the BSF headquarters, these animals are being entrusted to villagers eager to nurture them, marking a significant shift in their post-service life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI now helps people speak languages fast Talkpal AI Undo In a recent initiative in Jaisalmer, 59 retired camels were handed over to villagers by various BSF battalions during special programmes at Border Outposts (BOPs) near the India-Pakistan border. Led by Sector North DIG Yogendra Singh Rathore and Sector South DIG ML Negi overseeing efforts in the Kishangarh border area, the BSF ensured these camels were placed in caring hands. Recipients like Roze Khan, Rohad Singh, Mag Singh, Kayamuddin, Khojraj Singh, Sheikh M, Padam Singh, and Kailash Singh from villages like Kishangarh, Sadhna, Phalodi, Seuava, Ramgarh, Tejpal, and Raghava have embraced the initiative with enthusiasm. BSF Inspector General ML Garg emphasised the program's dual purpose: preserving the camels' utility and supporting border communities. "Villagers have shown great interest in maintaining the trained and retired camels," said DIG Rathore. The BSF has set strict guidelines, ensuring the camels are not sold or overburdened, with personnel conducting regular checks to confirm their well-being. These camels, requiring minimal resources due to their training, are now used for light work, transportation, and even tourism, offering a sustainable future for both the animals and their new caretakers. For villagers, the initiative is a game-changer. Roze Khan from Kishangarh underscored the camels' role in boosting tourism, particularly for pilgrims visiting Tanot, where camel rides are the new attraction. "These camels will facilitate transportation to nearby hamlets and strengthen our livelihood," Khan told TOI. Kailash Singh from Raghava village, thrilled to receive a BSF camel, plans to use it for tourist rides on the sandy dunes of Tanot and Ghantiyali, pledging to care for it diligently. Similarly, Khojraj Singh from Seuava village highlighted the camel's utility in fetching drinking water from tube wells and carrying light goods, especially during the harsh summer months. Camel milk, another valuable resource, will also be supplied where needed. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
BSF launches Operation Alert ahead of I-Day
Jaisalmer: Border Security Force (BSF) Monday launched Operation Alert exercise along the western border of Rajasthan to ensure security ahead of Independence Day. Intelligence reports of possible disturbances orchestrated by ISI leaders in Pakistan have also prompted this heightened vigilance, officials said. Operation Alert will continue till Aug 17. BSF soldiers and officers from all branches are participating in the exercise along the entire international border. Special attention is being given to areas adjoining Sriganganagar and Bikaner, where attempts to smuggle narcotics via drones have been reported. BSF North Sector DIG Yogendra Singh Rathore stated that Operation Alert is being conducted to prevent infiltration and smuggling attempts in the run-up to Independence Day. BSF personnel and officers will be stationed at the border round the clock, he said. Additional soldiers have been deployed to sensitive areas. BSF South Sector DIG MK Negi said BSF will also conduct outreach programmes with border residents to increase awareness and cooperation. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
BSF to launch Operation Alert from Aug 11
Jaisalmer: The Border Security Force (BSF) will launch Operation Alert exercise along the western border with Pakistan from Aug 11-17 in response to continuous threats, infiltrations and smuggling incidents through drones. BSF IG, M L Garg, said, "BSF will launch Operation Alert ahead of Independence Day. Vigilant eyes will be kept on every activity from Pakistan. Along with increased patrolling, the number of security check-points will be increased. Patrolling on camels and foot patrols have also been increased. The border is being monitored 24/7 to prevent any undesirable activities from across the border, he said. BSF deputy inspector general Yogendra Singh Rathore said, "Extra troops are deployed at border. Ahead of Aug 15, this exercise is being conducted to ensure that no disturbances occur from across the border, no anti-national elements can carry out any malicious acts, and potential infiltrations and smuggling incidents are thwarted." tnn Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
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Business Standard
16-06-2025
- Business Standard
Tripura BSF apprehend 5 smugglers; rescue cattle, seize contraband
The Border Security Force (BSF) foiled multiple smuggling attempts along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura, arresting five cattle smugglers and seizing contraband, including mobile phones and foreign goods worth over Rs 20 lakh, officials said on Sunday. In one major operation, BSF troops of Border Outpost (BOP) Dholakcheri, located in South Tripura district, apprehended five cattle smugglers and rescued 12 cattle from their possession. The operation was conducted on June 14 at around 3:45 PM. All the accused were found to be residents of South Tripura and Gomati districts, the BSF confirmed. In a separate operation, BSF personnel from BOP Nirbhoypur in West Tripura district seized 47 brand new mobile phones worth approximately Rs 10 lakh. The seizure was made when miscreants attempted to throw the consignment over the border fence into Bangladesh. BSF's quick response foiled the smuggling attempt and secured the high-value items before they could cross the international border. Meanwhile, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel will soon be donning newly designed uniforms with upgraded features tailored for India's diverse climate conditions. Sharing the details, BSF (North) Deputy Inspector General Yogendra Singh Rathore said that major changes will be made in the new uniform's fabric composition, colour scheme, and overall design. "There are a lot of changes, be it the texture or colour. As far as texture is concerned, it was 50-50 per cent in the old uniform -- 50 per cent cotton and 50 per cent polyester. The new uniform is 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester because it is hot in Rajasthan and humid in the northeast. So, such a cotton-based uniform is very comfortable," he said. "The colour has also been changed. The current uniform is 50 per cent khaki, 45 per cent green and 5 per cent brown in colour. Other patterns have also been changed, the logo has been introduced, and changes have also been made to the rank we put up.
India Gazette
14-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
BSF personnel to get newly designed uniforms for better comfort and functionality
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) [India] June 14 (ANI): In a significant move aimed at improving comfort and efficiency, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel will soon be donning newly designed uniforms with upgraded features tailored for India's diverse climate conditions. Sharing the details, BSF (North) Deputy Inspector General Yogendra Singh Rathore said that the new uniform will see major changes in fabric composition, colour scheme, and overall design. 'There are a lot of changes, be it the texture or colour. As far as texture is concerned, it was 50-50 per cent in the old uniform -- 50 per cent cotton and 50 per cent polyester. The new uniform is 80 per cent cotton and 20 per cent polyester because it is hot in Rajasthan, and hot plus humid in the northeast. So, such a cotton-based uniform is very comfortable,' he said. 'The colour has also been changed. The current uniform is 50 per cent khaki, 45 per cent green and 5 per cent brown in colour. Other patterns have also been changed, the logo has been introduced, and changes have also been made to the rank we put up.' Earlier, the Balnoi Battalion of the Indian Army, along with the BSF, conducted a ceremonial change of uniform on Sunday at the temple dedicated to Captain Satish Khera, commemorating his birth anniversary at the Khera Complex in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. Captain Satish Khera made the supreme sacrifice on October 7, 1965, during the Battle of OP Hill in the Indo-Pak War. This key operation in Jammu and Kashmir aimed to capture a critical enemy observation post. Captain Khera led the charge with fearless leadership, turning the tide of battle through his courage and determination. His legacy lives on through the ceremonial observance at the Khera Complex, where soldiers gather each year to honour his memory and unmatched valour. The uniform change ceremony reflects the deep respect and remembrance held by the forces and continues to uphold the highest traditions and ethos of the Indian Army. The Balnoi Battalion proudly celebrated unmatched valour and leadership, paying heartfelt tribute to a hero who continues to inspire generations of warriors and upholding the highest traditions and ethos of the Indian Army. (ANI)
