Anti-national elements/smugglers are using drones  for smuggling of Arms/Narcotics across India-Pakistan border in Punjab State.  In last three years till 28^th Feb 2023, 28 incidents of recovery of drones involved in smuggling of Arms/Narcotics have been detected. From these drones,  125.174 Kgs  Heroin,  0.100 Kgs  Opium,  9 mm Pistol-01  No., Pistol/Revolver-07 Nos, Magazines-14 Nos, Ammunition 132 Rds, Detonator- 06 Nos  and other explosives 4.750 Kgs were recovered.

   Steps taken by the Government in this regard include the following:-

1. Effective domination of the borders being done by BSF by carrying out round the clock surveillance of the border, viz. patrolling, laying nakas, manning observation posts all along the International Border.
2. Erection of Border Fence on the International Border.

• iii. Installation of Border Flood lights along Border Security Fence to light up the area during hours of darkness.

4. Strengthening of intelligence network and coordination with other  security agencies.
5. Detailed vulnerability mapping has been carried out along Indo-Pak border including Punjab State to strengthen surveillance by deploying vehicles and additional special surveillance equipments. Integrated Surveillance technology equipped with CCTV/PTZ Cameras, IR sensors and infrared alarm with Command and Control system have also been installed at international border.
6. Anti-drone systems have been deployed in border areas of Punjab to counter the drone threats.  Further, an anti-rogue drone SOP has been formulated and circulated to field units and is being followed.
7. Local police is immediately informed as soon any such drone movement is observed for search in interior areas. Depth Nakas are regularly laid in suspected dropping zones of drone.
8. The general public in border areas have been sensitized and made aware of such UAV/Drone activities, their likely security implications and are encouraged to inform about any such activities in the rear areas to BSF as well as the local police.
9. MHA has established Anti Rogue Drone Technology Committee (ARDTC) under supervision of DG BSF with mandate to evaluate the technology available to counter rogue drone and certify its effectiveness in dealing with rouge drones.
10. BSF is in process of procurement of more anti-drone systems to be  installed in Punjab on Indo-Pakistan border for which trials are going on.

   This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nisith Pramanik in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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RK/AY/RR/4460

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