Several crucial border-related matters will be addressed at an administrative review meeting chaired by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, will focus on Malda, Murshidabad, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur, all of which share international borders with Bangladesh.
The main agenda of the meeting, according to insiders from the state secretariat of Nabanna, includes reviewing the progress of land handover to the Border Security Force (BSF) for erecting barbed fencing. Additionally, discussions will revolve around enhancing coordination between the state police and the BSF to curb illegal infiltration from Bangladesh.
Another significant topic on the agenda is the persistent issue of riverbank erosion in Malda and Murshidabad districts, leading to substantial property loss annually. The meeting will also address flood control measures in these districts ahead of the monsoon season.
Since assuming office last month, CM Adhikari has prioritized the handover of land to the BSF for fencing unfenced borders. The official land transfer process commenced on May 20, covering 27 kilometers of land.
West Bengal shares a total international border of 4,096.7 kilometers with Bangladesh, with over 2,000 kilometers falling within the state. Of these, approximately 1,600 kilometers are fenced, leaving around 600 kilometers unfenced.
CM Adhikari has alleged that the previous government intentionally delayed land handover to the BSF to facilitate illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, allegedly for political gain. The current administration has opted to detain illegal infiltrators within holding centers before transferring them to BSF outposts for repatriation to Bangladesh.
