Pilot proj to strengthen riverine Indo-Bangla border: Rajnath

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said a pilot project will be initiated to strengthen the riverine Indo-Bangla border.
"Sealing the riverine border is difficult, so we have decided to initiate a pilot project to ascertain measures to be taken to strengthen it," Singh said during his visit to the Sonarhat border outpost in Assam's Dhubri sector.
Initially, a survey would be undertaken to ascertain the problems and subsequently based on these results, further action would be taken to strengthen the border, he said.
Referring to the problem of cattle smuggling through the border, the Home Minister said it has come down drastically but, "Our efforts are on to make it nil."

He said the Centre was committed to the development of border areas and would make available all resources for the purpose.
"There will be no shortage of funds for development of border areas. We want constant feedback from the people living in those areas to ensure all-round development," he said.

Later, addressing a rally organised by the Purvottar Simant Chetna Manch at the nearby Biskhowa area, Singh said the NDA government was aware of various problems in the border areas and its prime focus was to ensure its development.
"I appeal to the people of Assam to give BJP a chance for five years as we want to do something for the people of the state and the North East," the Union Minister said.

It is sad that the problems of the people living in border areas has remained unsolved since Independence and "We are now keen to change the situation," he added.
The Union Home Minister was on a two-day visit to the state since yesterday.