Highlights:

• India plans first 90-kilometre fence through Sundarbans Bangladesh border
• BSF conducting feasibility and technical studies before construction begins
• Riverine border currently secured by floating outposts and marine patrols
• Locals fear land acquisition; government promises compensation and rehabilitation
• Protected wildlife sanctuary limits construction along 71 kilometres of border
• Security upgrades include more searchlights, surveillance cameras and maritime patrols

For the first time, the Indian Home Ministry is set to fence about 90 kilometres of the Sundarbans along the border with Bangladesh in West Bengal, a challenging terrain characterised by mangrove forests, tidal swamps, embankments and numerous creeks.

India's Border Security Force (BSF), which is deployed along the Bangladesh border, has initiated a feasibility and technical study to erect the fence along the land border with Bangladesh, a senior government official told The Hindu.

At present, there are no barriers on the ground and the BSF has deployed Floating Border Outposts in the riverine areas to secure the border. Plans are afoot to augment marine patrolling, the official said.

BSF Director General Praveen Kumar visited the Sundarbans from 11 July to 14 July and reviewed the progress of the fencing work.

"No fencing work has ever been done in the Sundarbans till now. The locals have been counselled that fencing is a requirement and that it is vital for national security and the Department of Security will start (work) soon," the official said.

The local people, said the official, were concerned about their land being acquired for construction of the fence.

Several mid-scale hotels and lodges which operate in the area also flagged concerns that they might be asked to shift.

They have been assured that they would be compensated and rehabilitated.

Nearly 71km of the border is contiguous with the Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary where no construction work is allowed as it is a protected area, he pointed out.

During Kumar's visit, the need for more searchlights and surveillance cameras to help maritime domination was discussed.

The fencing work gathered pace after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal in May this year.