Replace 'obsolete' floodlights along Indo-Pak border:Par panel

New Delhi, Nov 7: A parliamentary committee has asked the government to replace floodlights and cables along the Indo-Pak border which have "outlived" their life and have become "obsolete".

"Keeping in view the fact that the floodlight equipments have outlived their life and cables have also also become obsolete and damaged, the Committee recommends that it is necessary to replace the existing border flood light system with utmost expedition," the Parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs said in its latest report.

The government in its reply to the committee said it is examining the proposal in this regard.

"The government is aware that the floodlight equipments along Indo-Pakistan border including Punjab sector have outlived their life and cables have also become obsolete and damaged since these floodlights were erected long back. A proposal regarding upgradation/replacement of the existing border flood lights system in Punjab sector with new and more illuminating devices is under examination of the government," the government reply said.

The government also said the Cabinet Committee on Security ( CCS) is "actively considering" a proposal for construction of earthen bundh on home side of fencing, naka cum 'machan' (raised platform) cum fighting bunkers and road in Jammu region of the state.

The committee had also recommended special allowances for BSF troopers posted in "harsh" climatic conditions along the Indo-Pakistan border in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The committee is headed by BJP MP Venkaiah Naidu.

PTI