The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has taken significant steps to improve its border security along the India-China border. As part of its forwardisation plan, ITBP has moved 33 border outposts (BOPs) closer to the border, with plans to move more in the future.
ITBP’s Forwardisation Plan
- The ITBP has implemented its forwardisation plan, which aims to bring border outposts nearer to the India-China border for better patrolling and resource management.
- The plan involves setting up 56 border outposts, with 33 already moved closer to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- The remaining 23 border outposts are expected to be relocated soon.
New Battalions and Personnel Deployment
- To strengthen operations, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the creation of seven new battalions for ITBP.
- Six of these battalions have already been raised in Arunachal Pradesh, while the seventh will be raised in Sikkim later this year.
- The seven battalions will comprise nearly 9,000 personnel.
Benefits of the Forwardisation Plan
- The forwardisation of BOPs will allow for easier patrolling and better surveillance of the region.
- Previously, patrols had to travel 15-40 km from certain BOPs to the LAC, which was time-consuming and resource-intensive.
- Moving BOPs closer to the LAC will reduce travel time and improve operational efficiency.
ITBP’s Operational Strength
- The ITBP currently has a personnel strength of 96,222, guarding a 3,488 km stretch of the India-China border.
- The border is patrolled through 197 BOPs located at high altitudes, ranging from 9,000 ft to 18,750 ft.
Vibrant Village Programme
- As part of the Vibrant Village programme, the ITBP has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the governments of Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh.
- These MOUs will facilitate the purchase of local produce from border villages, providing employment opportunities for locals and improving the quality of supplies for the ITBP.
- Similar MOUs are being pursued with the governments of Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the primary goal of the ITBP’s forwardisation plan?
- a) To improve ITBP personnel welfare
- b) To move border outposts closer to the India-China border for better patrolling
- c) To establish new border outposts along the India-China border
- d) To increase the number of ITBP personnel
- Answer: b) To move border outposts closer to the India-China border for better patrolling
2. How many new battalions has the Ministry of Home Affairs approved for ITBP?
- a) 5
- b) 7
- c) 10
- d) 6
- Answer: b) 7
3. How many personnel will be deployed in the seven new ITBP battalions?
- a) 5,000
- b) 9,000
- c) 7,500
- d) 6,000
- Answer: b) 9,000
4. Which of the following states is NOT mentioned in the ITBP’s plans for signing MOUs under the Vibrant Village programme?
- a) Uttarakhand
- b) Arunachal Pradesh
- c) Himachal Pradesh
- d) Sikkim
- Answer: d) Sikkim
5. How many patrols did the ITBP conduct along the India-China border between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024?
- a) 5,000
- b) 6,561
- c) 7,000
- d) 4,500
- Answer: b) 6,561