Kolkata: The state govt has initiated the process of handing over 105 acres of land to the BSF to strengthen border security and facilitate the construction of fencing and border outposts. A group of ministers formed by chief minister Mamata Banerjee cleared the proposal on Friday.The panel includes urban development and municipal affairs minister Firhad Hakim, power minister Arup Biswas, and minister of state for finance (independent charge) and land and land reforms, Chandrima Bhattacharya.The move follows recent cabinet meetings chaired by the CM after the BSF flagged difficulties in securing land for outposts and operations. Of the total requirement, around 67 acres are needed to install barbed wire fencing along a 17-km stretch, while 18 acres will be used to construct nine border outposts. The district administration will purchase the land from owners and transfer it to the BSF.Following the panel’s approval, the proposal will be sent to the CMO and then placed before the cabinet. Administrative sources said land acquisition and transfer will begin after cabinet clearance. Additionally, a proposal to transfer 25 acres of state land across nine border locations to the BSF has also been approved for cabinet consideration to bolster infrastructure and surveillance along the border.
