22 ITBP border posts opened to fortify security along China border

New Delhi, Dec 2: 22 ITBP border posts have been opened and green signal given for erection of 123 mobile towers to strengthen security along the Indo-China border, Government informed the Lok Sabha today.

"Out of 5 newly sanctioned Border Out Post (BOPs), 22 BOPs have already been opened along the Indo-­China border for strengthening existing border security. Remaining BOPs will be established by 2016. At present, ITBP is manning 163 BOPs," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply.

In order to improve the existing road connectivity and to enhance the troop’s mobility, he said 27 ITBP priority roads are being constructed along Indo­-China border.

"With the aim to achieve connectivity to all ITBP BOPs and patrolling points/international passes, government has approved 34 roads. 123 mobile towers have been approved by the government along the Indo-China border to enhance the connectivity and border vigil.

"The critical infrastructure in the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh are also being strengthened to enhance troop’s mobility and border security in those areas," he said.

Rijiju added that the government has accorded sanction to ITBP to obtain two helicopters on wet lease to meet its operational requirements.

"With a view to provide dedicated air support to Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the government has accorded approval to ITBP for wet leasing of two light helicopters to meet its operational air support requirements in J and K and Uttarkhand through tendering process.

"The total expenditure likely to be incurred for wet leasing of two helicopters is approximately Rs 40 crore per annum. Besides, dedicated air support is provided to ITBP through BSF MI­17 helicopters as well as IAF helicopters based on the availability of helicopters to meet the operational requirement of the force on Indo-­China border including J and K and Uttarkhand," the Minister said.

PTI