The Indian government informed Lok Sabha on Tuesday (February 11, 2025) that 864.5 km of the 4,096.7 km long India-Bangladesh border is still without fencing.
Out of this, 174.15 km is a trench area, making fencing difficult. This information was given in response to a question asked by Trinamool Congress MP Deepak Adhikari.
What Did the MP Ask?
MP Deepak Adhikari asked the Home Ministry for details about:
- Total length of the India-Bangladesh border
- States that share a border with Bangladesh
- Total land area of the India-Bangladesh border
- Reasons why fencing is not yet completed
Minister Nityanand Rai’s Response
Union Minister Nityanand Rai answered in Lok Sabha, saying:
- The total India-Bangladesh border is 4,096.7 km long.
- The states sharing a border with Bangladesh are:
- West Bengal – 2,216.7 km
- Assam – 263 km
- Meghalaya – 443 km
- Tripura – 856 km
- Mizoram – 318 km
Why Is Fencing Not Completed?
The minister explained that 864.5 km of the India-Bangladesh border is still without fencing, including 174.5 km of trench area.
The challenges in fencing are:
- Difficult terrain – Includes swampy land and landslide-prone areas.
- Objections from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) – Some areas face opposition from Bangladesh authorities.
- Limited working season – Due to weather conditions, construction can only happen during certain months.
- Land acquisition delays – Government is still acquiring land in some areas.
Border Security Is a Priority
Earlier, on February 4, 2025, Nityanand Rai had told Lok Sabha that border fencing is an important security measure.
The government is working to strengthen border security despite these challenges.