UMKHABAW/ (International border): This border outpost of the BSF close to Bangladesh is run by solar energy.
The BSF resorted to the use of solar energy since its personnel have to wait for long before the government provides electricity to the far-flung border areas.
Many solar panels were placed on the premises of the BSF outpost. The cost of the equipment having 440 voltage is Rs 76 lakh.
The cost involved in keeping border vigil is evident from this.
The motor to pump water also uses solar power.
The border across is vast. Since both sides of Indo-Bangladesh border are plains, cows were found grazing guided by the cowherds.
Many Bangladesh villagers often come close to the Indian side of the fence and speak to the Indian villagers when they are asked to introduce themselves.
The jurisdiction of the Umkhabaw outpost is 3.7 kms and the BSF personnel have to be vigilant though the border has double-lane barbed wire fencing.
A BSF official in-charge of the outpost said there were no reports of any movement of men from across the border on this sector. The outpost has 15 personnel to man the area.
The nearby border areas like Kasinda, Beltoli, Kalibari, Pattharkhat, Dalia, Nayabasti and Bholaganj have BSF outposts.
The BSF men, besides keeping vigil at the border, has another difficult task of looking after the seized cows.
At Umkhabaw outpost, there were 21 seized cattle and they were allowed to graze on the premises of the outpost.
The BSF claimed that they were seized from the nearby Kasinda border while being smuggled to Bangladesh.
Till the legal proceedings are over, the cows have found the outpost as their shelter home.
As per the direction of the Supreme Court, the seized cattle cannot be auctioned by the Customs department and till they are handed over to the original owners following the direction of the court, they have to be sheltered.
Bamantilla bridge
divides border
A little away from Umkhabaw, both sides of Bamanthilla bridge are open to India and Bangladesh. This is an area which has not been fenced by India.
The small bridge is the only dividing line between India and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh tourists visiting the sand beach were seen from Indian side.
“We know that the bridge is the boundary and hence we do not cross over to Bangladesh and neither they do come this side”, a villager said.
Road to Bholaganj
On the way to Bholaganj (Majai), it was found that the borders were fenced except an area under Kurikal .
According to a local resident, the past flood may have resulted in damaging the barbed wires.
He said there is an urgent need on the part of the BSF to repair the damaged barbed wire fence as there is a fear of infiltration from across the border.
Beyond the Kurikal border outpost, the BSF has prepared ground work for a new border haat at Nayabasti in Bholanganj.
The building is ready and the authorities from India side are waiting for further confirmation from Bangladesh for opening the border haat.
