Bhuj: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated two Border Security Force (BSF) border outposts in Bhuj, Gujarat, and interacted with BSF personnel stationed along the country’s western border. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Union Home Secretary, Intelligence Bureau Director, Secretary of Border Management, BSF Director General and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

Addressing BSF personnel, Shah lauded their dedication and sacrifice, saying they serve the nation under some of the most challenging climatic and geographical conditions. He said that seeing BSF personnel guarding India’s borders with determination and a smile despite extreme hardships inspires confidence and reminds everyone of the force’s invaluable contribution to national security.

Highlighting the BSF’s role over the past six decades, Shah said the force has successfully safeguarded India’s most challenging borders, operating in temperatures ranging from minus 45 degrees Celsius to plus 45 degrees Celsius. He noted that BSF personnel serve across diverse terrains, including the deserts of Kutch and Rajasthan, the marshlands of Sir Creek and Harami Nala, the icy heights of Kashmir, the Sundarbans, Gangasagar and the hilly forests of the Northeast.

Describing the BSF as the country’s “First Line of Defence,” Shah said nearly 2,000 personnel have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, earning the respect and gratitude of 1.4 billion Indians.

The Home Minister also highlighted a public outreach centre established in Banaskantha to help citizens understand the responsibilities and challenges faced by BSF personnel. He said more than 2.5 lakh people have visited the centre in the past month. Feedback received from visitors reflected strong public admiration for the force, with many expressing a desire to see their children join the BSF in the future.

Shah said a review conducted after he assumed office as Union Home Minister identified security infrastructure gaps in the Harami Nala and Sir Creek regions. To address these shortcomings, the government launched a comprehensive plan to establish a leak-proof security grid through the construction of watchtowers, roads, drinking water facilities, medical infrastructure, accommodation and new fencing.

He expressed confidence that the region would be fully secured within the next two years. Shah added that the Modi government is working to ensure better facilities for BSF personnel and has made extensive use of technology to strengthen border security. Watchtowers have been constructed and several border outpost areas have been elevated above ground level to improve operational efficiency and safety.

Announcing a major shift in border management strategy, Shah said the government plans to move beyond traditional border guarding and adopt a broader “territorial security” approach. Under this model, local communities, civil administration, police, the military and BSF personnel will work together to strengthen national security.

He said the Smart Border Security Project is being implemented with investments worth thousands of crores of rupees. The project includes the deployment of drones, radars, advanced surveillance systems, watchtowers and modern technology to create a robust and integrated security network along the borders.

The Home Minister also indicated that the government is considering expanding the BSF’s responsibilities in the future. Referring to incomplete fencing along parts of the India-Bangladesh border, he said efforts are underway to accelerate fencing work and deploy technological barriers in forested and riverine areas to prevent infiltration.

Concluding his address, Shah said the nation salutes the courage, dedication and patriotism of BSF personnel. He added that the peace and security enjoyed in Gujarat’s border regions are a direct result of their unwavering commitment and service to the country.