The Centre and the West Bengal government have intensified security measures in the strategically crucial Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’, with plans to strengthen border surveillance through new Border Outposts (BOPs), advanced fencing and technology-based monitoring systems.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accompanied by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday visited the sensitive Jumagach area near Siliguri to review border security arrangements and assess challenges along the India-Bangladesh border.
The high-level meeting was held after Shah arrived at Bagdogra Airport on Friday night. During the visit, officials discussed measures to prevent infiltration and smuggling through vulnerable stretches, particularly along the open areas of the Mahananda River.
The government announced that 10 new Border Outposts would be established in West Bengal to enhance surveillance along the Bangladesh border. Two of these BOPs will come under the North Bengal Frontier, strengthening the presence of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the region.
Officials said the Centre has also directed the speedy completion of modern three-tier fencing, including smart barbed-wire fencing, along vulnerable border stretches to prevent illegal crossings and criminal activities.
Jumagach, located under the Rajganj police station area of Jalpaiguri district, has been identified as a strategically sensitive zone due to its proximity to the international border and the challenges posed by unfenced river stretches. A joint BSF-police initiative has reportedly secured an approximately 8-kilometre stretch from Fulbari to Narayanjot in recent days.
The Mahananda River remains a major challenge for security agencies, particularly during the monsoon when rising water levels create difficulties in maintaining physical barriers. During the meeting, officials discussed deploying technology-based solutions, including smart virtual fencing and advanced thermal imaging systems, to monitor open river areas.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from six North Bengal districts—Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda—along with senior BSF officials.
Sources said the meeting also focused on removing administrative hurdles, including land acquisition issues, to accelerate border infrastructure projects. The presence of senior officials from the BSF North Bengal Frontier highlighted the strategic importance of the region.
The Siliguri Corridor serves as the only land link connecting mainland India with the northeastern states, making its security a key national priority. Officials said there would be no compromise on protecting the corridor and that the combined deployment of new BOPs, modern fencing and surveillance technology would help create a stronger security network.
Security experts have also highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening infrastructure in the region amid growing geopolitical concerns along India’s eastern and northeastern borders.
Also read: Amit Shah to visit Bengal, chair high-level security meet
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