BSF's Sundarbans fence plan: Security vs ecology debate intensifies
The Border Security Force (BSF) is considering a major infrastructure project along the Indo-Bangladesh border: a physical fence spanning 90 kilometres through the ecologically sensitive Sundarbans mangrove forest. The proposal, which is in a feasibility study stage, has revived a longstanding debate between national security imperatives and environmental conservation.
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Its intricate network of rivers, creeks, and shifting sandbanks makes it a challenging terrain for security forces. Currently, the BSF patrols the area with surveillance cameras and flood-lit illuminated fences, which are non-physical barriers.
A BSF official cited by The Hindu stated that the fence would primarily be along the banks of the Ichamati river in the northern reaches, which is considered more conducive for construction. The official assured that the structure would not affect biodiversity and that compensation would be provided to those whose land is acquired.
However, scientists and researchers have raised concerns. Dr. Megnaa Mehtta, an assistant professor at University College London, argued that a fence in such a fluid ecology is a waste of resources. “In an area that requires several other fundamental infrastructural improvements, this should certainly not be a priority for the government,” she said. She added that the delta's land-water dynamics are constantly changing, making any physical barrier ineffective and potentially harmful to wildlife movement.
Conversely, Dr. Krishna Ray, an associate professor at West Bengal State University, suggested that the chosen area for fencing might not be problematic. “Being a porous border area, it should be well protected,” he said, adding that if the BSF takes care of mangroves and wildlife during installation, the ecosystem may not be significantly harmed.
The BSF's previous proposal to release snakes and crocodiles into border rivers was met with widespread derision. While that idea was abandoned, this new fence proposal has triggered a more serious debate. The Sundarbans are already under pressure from illegal fishing, construction, and climate change-induced sea level rise.
Dr. Mehtta noted that decades of research indicate that this border route is not commonly used for infiltration or security threats. She emphasised that border crossings by locals, often to visit relatives or for labour, will persist but become riskier due to the fence.
The government and BSF must weigh the security benefits against the potential ecological damage. With the feasibility study underway, the final decision will likely consider both security and environmental factors, including compensation and mitigation measures for affected communities and wildlife.
