Punjab is scripting a new chapter in border security along its 553-kilometer international border. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government’s border security initiatives have set a national benchmark, addressing challenges like drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and drone infiltration.
Through the creation of a robust ‘Second Line of Defense’, combining modern technology, administrative vigilance, and public participation, Punjab has made its border increasingly impenetrable.
The state government’s most significant and historic move has been the procurement and deployment of nine advanced anti-drone systems, installed across border districts at a cost of approximately ₹51.4 crore.
These systems can detect drones within a 10-kilometer radius and identify their operators, making Punjab the first state in India to establish anti-drone coverage. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann called this initiative a technological shield against illegal activities from across the border.
In addition, the government has nearly completed the installation of 3,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras in border areas, with 2,300 already operational, instantly tracking suspicious activity and alerting police control rooms. The project has a budgetary provision of ₹20 crore.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Thousands of eyes are now monitoring every movement on Punjab’s borders, ensuring the state’s security day and night.”
Public participation forms the strongest link in this security network. The government has established 19,523 Village Defense Committees in border areas, including local citizens, ex-servicemen, teachers, and youth.
These committees run campaigns against drug abuse and smuggling at the village level, promptly reporting suspicious activity to the police.
Further strengthening border security, the Mann government is deploying 5,000 Home Guards, Punjab’s own second line of defense, equipped with modern training and tools to respond swiftly to any challenge. This initiative also opens employment opportunities for local youth.
The state has allocated a special budget of ₹110 crore for border security, prioritizing anti-drone systems, AI cameras, Home Guard recruitment, and infrastructure development. An additional ₹40 crore has been released for border development projects—₹20 crore for expanding CCTV networks, ₹10 crore for new vehicles, and ₹10 crore for checkpoints and infrastructure construction.
Punjab Police has established 100 checkpoints every 5 kilometers along the border, making the surveillance system nearly impenetrable. These measures have significantly curtailed drone-based smuggling, sometimes forcing drones to return across the border.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has shown that border security is not solely the responsibility of security forces, but the result of technology, administrative efficiency, and public solidarity.
With nine anti-drone systems, 3,000 AI cameras, 19,523 Village Defense Committees, 5,000 Home Guards, and dedicated budgets totaling ₹150 crore, Punjab has transformed its border into a safe, vigilant, and self-reliant zone, setting an example for the entire country.
