Indo-Nepal border to be lit up to check infiltration

In order to check infiltration from the porous Indo-Nepal border that runs along six districts of Uttar Pradesh, Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB) has decided to light up the border with the help of UP Power Corporation Limited.

"We have identified sensitive locations in the state along the 550 km long Indo-Nepal border which will be lit up soon to check infiltration and smuggling", Inspector General, SSB, Satyavrat told PTI.

He said SSB and CPWD officials were in talks with UPPCL, which would undertake the work and provide necessary infrastructure for the purpose.

Taking advantage of the darkness in the area, criminals use the route not only for human trafficking but for smuggling of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), contraband and weapons.

"SSB has asked the Corporation to arrange exclusive 33/11 kv sub-station(s) with a dedicated feeder to light up the border and also fulfill the electricity requirements of the force," a senior UPPCL official told PTI."Lack of electricity on the border was creating problems in keeping a watch on infiltrators and other criminals. The border is not only used by smugglers but ISI agents also to carry out illegal activities in India including circulation of fake currency and terrorist activities," a SSB official said.

UPPCL officials said the corporation can construct the desired power distribution sub-station and hand over it to the SSB for operation and maintenance.

Alternatively, the corporation has suggested that it construct the sub-station and the feeder and also operate and maintain the same provided the SSB paid the operation and maintenance cost.

"We will be helping SSB for the job of lighting the border as the matter involves security of the country. The modalities in this regard will soon be finalised and work will start soon", the official said.