How ‘BOLD-QIT’ project functions…

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Information and Technology wing of the BSF undertook the ‘BOLD-QIT’ (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) project and completed it in 2018 with technical support of various manufacturers and suppliers.

According to the ‘BOLD-QIT’ project, technical systems are installed under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). It enables the BSF to equip the Indo-Bangla borders with different kinds of sensors in the unfenced riverine stretches of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Now, the entire span of the Brahmaputra has been covered with data network generated by microwave communication, OFC cables, DMR communication, day-and-night surveillance cameras and intrusion detection system. These modern gadgets keep the BSF control rooms feeding and enable BSF ‘Quick Reaction Teams’ to thwart any possibility of illegal cross-border misadventure.

The BSF is responsible for safeguarding the 4,096-km-long international border with Bangladesh. At various places, it is not possible to erect border fence due to geographical barriers. The 61-km stretch of the international border in Dhubri district where the Brahmaputra enters Bangladesh has vast sar areas crisscrossed with innumerable river channels, making border guarding the border a daunting task, especially during the rainy season. The implementation of this project will not only help the BSF to curb all type of cross-border crimes but also provide respite to the troops from round-the-clock human surveillance.

Already two pilot projects covering about 71 km along the Indo-Pakistan border (10 km) and Indo-Bangladesh border (61 km) of CIBMS have been completed. The stage is also set for taking up Stage-II and Stage-III covering about 1,955 km of the border which cannot be physically fenced. The CIBMS project will improve the capability of BSF in detecting and controlling the cross-border crimes like illegal infiltration, smuggling of contraband goods, human trafficking and cross-border terrorism, among others.

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