Three residents from Cooch Behar district have contributed portions of their land to build fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. They cited ongoing security issues, including infiltration, smuggling and harm to crops, caused by the lack of barriers in previous years.
The donations follow a state government initiative to provide land for border projects after the BJP administration took office in Bengal this month. Donors and their relatives expect the fencing to enhance safety in their villages and surrounding areas. The government has also begun transferring land to the Border Security Force for new outposts and wire barriers.
Donor Bikash Rai stated that the land was offered to protect the village and national security. He noted that completed fencing would prevent crossings and improve safety for residents, according to ANI. His family provided 0.2 acres. Without barriers, individuals from across the border had entered at night to steal livestock and goods, he added.
Rai said compensation is still pending but the survey is complete and payment is expected soon. The policy change began after the new government took office in May 2026, with 142.79 acres handed to the force on May 28 as part of a plan to transfer 600 acres within 45 days of the first cabinet meeting on May 11.
Relative Hriday Barman called for swift completion of the work, saying border residents would feel more secure and that theft and smuggling had been widespread without wire barriers. He urged faster progress to protect farmers and nearby communities.
Suvendu Adhikari said efforts to build outposts and fencing have increased, with the recent donations forming part of that push.
