Uri attack: Govt approves building 'smart fence' along Indo-Pak border

New Delhi: The Centre has given in-principle approval for a ‘smart fence’ to be built along the 3323 kilometre-long Indo-Pakistan border to strengthen security and prevent more attacks following Uri and Pathankot.

According to reports, the panel constituted to study possibilities for enhancing security has urged a grid-based system along the border, wherein, at vulnerable stretches, the Army's and the BSF's ground troops would be assisted by hi-tech equipment, including satellites for surveillance, as well as the intelligence agencies and the police forces of the four states.

Whenever an instance of infiltration is reported, a particular component of this grid would respond, said reports.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the grid-based security system should be implemented as soon as possible, in a meeting attended by NSA Ajit Doval and other top officials.

The panel also suggested that ground forces be deployed in large numbers in areas vulnerable to infiltration, saying that smart fencing could do the job elsewhere. This would reduce the burden on foot soldiers, it said.

Apart from smart fencing, the committee has recommended the use of water, electronic as well as underground sensors, besides camera surveillance. Plans to create access roads for troops have also been suggested.