Smart Border Management 2018 conference kicks off today

The FICCI-BDO report launched at the conference notes that security organizations collect a vast amount of data that can be used to address security concerns.

General V. K. Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, today underlined the need for user-oriented technological solutions for securing the country's borders. A close interface of the manufacturers of border surveillance systems with the users was critical to enable border security forces to identify, delay and disrupt infiltration, he said while inaugurating the 'Smart Border Management 2018' conference organized by FICCI in collaboration with India Foundation.

Gen. Singh said in view of the uniqueness of India's borders in terms of the variety of terrain and climatic differences, it was imperative to have in place systems that required minimal maintenance and were easy to handle. In addition, technology should have reliable and robust alarm systems to reduce the response time for counter-measures, he emphasized.  

In this context, he suggested that user core groups need to be constituted to interact with manufacturers of border management technological systems to build customized solutions.

It is noteworthy that the Smart Border Management conference coincided with the launch today of two pilot projects in Jammu by Union Home Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh, under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management Solution (CIBMS). Each project covers 5.5 kms-border stretches. The two stretches along the international border in Jammu will have a first-of-a-kind, high-tech surveillance system that will create an invisible electronic barrier on land, water and even in air and underground, helping the BSF to detect and foil infiltration bids in the most difficult of terrains. FICCI, which has been advocating the implementation of technology and solutions for Smart Border Management and the CIBMS project, has been extensively discussed at FICCI platform in the previous editions of Border Management programmes.

On the occasion, the Minister released the FICCI-BDO Report on 'Smart Border Management'. 

The FICCI-BDO report notes that security organizations collect a vast amount of data. This data along with analytics can be used to make more insightful, forward-looking decisions about readiness, logistics, manpower, intelligence, and a host of other critical security concerns. Seamless integration of strategic intelligence with operational and tactical Intelligence across defense services and other agencies is needed and this can be made feasible using Big Data analytics.

Mr. Rahul Chaudhry, Chair, FICCI Homeland Security Committee, stressed the need for looking at the technology of today and the future needs in order to meet the country's requirements. Border management, he said, was multi-dimensional and highlighted the critical role of big data and predictive analytics in tackling border infiltration.

Major General Dhruv C. Katoch, Director, India Foundation, underscored the importance of taking on board the concerns of those living in and around the borders and suggested that sarpanches of border villages should be co-opted as members of border management groups.

The report provides use cases of big data and predictive analytics and the way forward for smart border management covering areas of coastal security management, land border security management, enhancing communication and surveillance systems for mobilizing forces, customs administration, and management. It highlights the areas of intervention and key challenges faced and possible solutions along with expected outcomes and potential benefits.