Strengthening Border Security: Eight Land Ports Across Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal To Get Radiation Detection Gear

Radiation detection equipment (RDE) is set to be deployed at eight key land crossing points along India's borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal.

The primary aim is to prevent the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials for potential use in the creation of nuclear devices.

This significant security measure is part of the Indian government's commitment to enhancing border security and safeguarding against potential nuclear threats.

The installation of RDE units is scheduled for the integrated check posts (ICPs) and land ports situated at various strategic locations.

These include Attari, near the Pakistan border, Petrapole, Agartala, Dawki, and Sutarkandi, all along the Bangladesh border, as well as Raxaul and Jogbani in Nepal, and Moreh in Myanmar.

The procurement and installation of the RDE at these eight operational ICPs have been authorised through a formal agreement executed last year, and the selected vendor will soon deliver and complete the installation process, according to a knowledgeable official.

The decision to implement RDE at these border crossings is a significant step taken by the central government to mitigate the risk of radioactive material being smuggled across international borders.

These eight ICPs witness substantial cross-border movements of both people and goods, making them potential hotspots for such illegal activities.

The clandestine trafficking of radioactive substances poses a serious security challenge, as these materials could be utilised for manufacturing nuclear devices or radiological dispersal devices, as emphasised by another official.

The RDE units will be installed within dedicated drive-through monitoring stations, designed to closely scrutinise trucks and their cargo for any signs of radioactive material.

Although the volume of traffic through the Attari ICP has decreased due to the strained relations with Pakistan, the other ICPs continue to experience significant foot traffic.

Security agencies stationed at these ICPs will benefit from the RDE's advanced features, such as the capability to trigger separate gamma and neutron radiation alarms and capture video frames of suspicious objects, reports Deccan Herald.

Furthermore, these systems will possess the ability to differentiate between special nuclear materials and naturally occurring radiation from items like fertilisers or ceramics. They can also identify high-energy gamma isotopes, a characteristic of recycled uranium.

In the pursuit of enhancing border security and combating potential nuclear threats, the Indian government has sought technical assistance from various foreign agencies, including those from the United States, to ensure the effective deployment and operation of the RDE units.

This international collaboration underscores the significance of this initiative in safeguarding the nation's security interests.