A new chapter in security is being written along Punjab's 553-kilometer-long international border. The state government's border security initiatives, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, have set a model for the entire country. To address serious challenges like drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and drone infiltration, the Punjab government has developed a robust 'Second Line of Defense' based on modern technology, administrative vigilance, and public participation, making border security impenetrable.
The state government's most significant and historic decision has been the procurement and deployment of nine state-of-the-art anti-drone systems. These systems are being installed in border districts at a cost of approximately ₹51.4 crore. These systems can not only detect drones flying within a 10-kilometer radius but can also pinpoint the location of their operators. This initiative makes Punjab the first state in the country to lay the foundation for anti-drone coverage. This visionary initiative by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is proving to be a powerful technological shield against all illegal activities from across the border.
The Punjab government has also nearly completed a project to install 3,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras in border areas. Approximately 2,300 of these cameras have already been activated, instantly tracking suspicious activity and sending alerts to the police control room. A budgetary provision of ₹20 crore has been made for this project. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that "thousands of eyes are now monitoring every movement on Punjab's borders, ensuring the state's security day and night."
Public participation has been made the strongest link in this security system. The state government has formed 19,523 Village Defense Committees in border areas, comprising local citizens, ex-servicemen, teachers, and youth. These committees are conducting campaigns against drug abuse and smuggling at the village level and immediately reporting any suspicious activity to the police. This has led to greater social vigilance and public engagement in the border areas.
In addition, the Mann government has decided to deploy 5,000 Home Guards in the border areas. This is Punjab's own 'second line of defense,' working alongside the state police and security agencies to ensure vigilance in the border areas. These Home Guards are equipped with modern equipment and training to enable them to respond promptly to any challenge. This initiative not only strengthens security but also opens up new employment opportunities for Punjab's youth.
The Punjab government has allocated a special budget of ₹110 crore to strengthen border security. Priority has been given to anti-drone systems, AI camera networks, Home Guard recruitment, and infrastructure development. Additionally, an additional ₹40 crore has been released for border development projects, with ₹20 crore allocated for expanding the CCTV network, ₹10 crore for purchasing new vehicles, and ₹10 crore for building and checkpoint construction.
The Punjab Police has established 100 checkpoints every 5 kilometers along the border, making the surveillance system impenetrable. Every vehicle and person is now under strict surveillance. These efforts have significantly reduced drone-based smuggling, with drones sometimes being forced to return back across the border after attempted smuggling.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab has proven that border security is not solely the responsibility of the security forces, but rather the result of technology, administrative efficiency, and public solidarity. Nine anti-drone systems, 3,000 AI cameras, 19,523 village defense committees, 5,000 home guards, a ₹110 crore security budget, and a ₹40 crore infrastructure allocation, these combined efforts have transformed Punjab into a state with a safe, vigilant, and self-reliant border. This policy of the Mann government is now becoming an inspiration for the entire country.
