Why in news:

• Border Security Force (BSF) started ‘Operation Alert’ on the nation’s entire western border, including in Rajasthan with an eye on security related to Independence Day. Officers and jawans of all branches of BSF are taking part in the security exercise.

Key Points:

• One of the major objectives of the ‘Operation Alert’ is improvement of border management and to pinpoint and remove the security loopholes.
• It is pertinent to mention here that the security force has recently been putting special emphasis on prevention of intrusions that are based on latest technology and equipment, for instance, the force has been on a high alert in recent months due to rise in drone threats.
• Operation Alert’ is being conducted under the supervision of Rajasthan Frontier IG , BSF DIG (North Sector) and DIG (South Sector).
• Under the operation, strict vigilance is being kept in the border areas, especially in areas with sensitive and tough geographical conditions with special security cordon all along the international border.
• In this regard, additional security arrangements have been kept on standby and will be made available in a prompt manner wherever required.
• The force is using state of the art gadgets based on latest technology including night vision devices. During the ‘Operation Alert’ exercise, both vehicle patrolling and foot patrolling will be increased and operational activities will be further strengthened. Orders have been put in place to strictly deal with any untoward activities such as drone sightings from the Pakistan side.
• As part of the operation, BSF is also conducting rear patrolling near its posts. Joint patrolling of border villages is also going on with the help and coordination of local police.

Border Security Force

• The Border Security Force (BSF) is India's border guarding organisation on its border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of India, and was raised in the wake of the 1965 war on 1 December 1965, for ensuring the security of the borders of India and for matters connected there with.
• The force has various active roles during an outbreak of war.
• It is the only Central Armed Police Force to have a Water Wing, Air Wing and an Artillery Regiment.
• It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The BSF has its own cadre of officers but its head, designated as a Director-General (DG), since its raising has been an officer from the Indian Police Service.
• The BSF has witnessed steady growth from 25 battalions in 1965, to 192 battalions with a sanctioned strength of 270,363 personnel including an expanding Air wing, Marine wing, an artillery regiment, and specialized units.
• It currently stands as the world's largest border guarding force. BSF, due to its designated role and nature of responsibilities, has been termed as the First Line of Defence of Indian territories.