Smart Wall

In News: Recently, the USA has stopped the construction of the “border wall” between the USA and Mexico.

  • However, as an alternative, a ‘smart wall will replace the physical wall with advanced surveillance technology for border security.

Features of the Wall

  • The wall would use sensors, radars and surveillance technology to detect and track border break-ins and technology capable of performing the most difficult tasks dedicated to border security.
  • Mobile surveillance towers are deployed along with a complete system radar satellites, computer-equipped border-control vehicles, control sensors and underground sensors.
  • Also, thermal imaging would be used, which would help in the detection of objects.
  • The system would be capable of distinguishing between animals, humans and vehicles, and sending related updates to handheld mobile devices.
  • Artificial intelligence is used at a novel scale to complement the steel barrier (border wall).

Benefits

  • In the USA’s context, cost-effectiveness, less damage to the environment, fewer land seizures, and speedier deployment give these walls an edge over traditional physical borders.
  • Smart walls make use of systems that would be designed in such a way that they can operate even in rugged areas.
    • Erecting physical fences, walls or any physical structures is extremely difficult in rugged terrain.
  • These walls could solve border security issues without the need for a physical barrier.

Smart Walls for Indian Borders

  • India faces the problem of infiltration by the terrorists and the smugglers through the borders.
  • Significance:
    • The terrain in the border region is rugged so using smart walls can be considered due to its easy deployment.
    • It is imperative for Indian armed forces to be well-equipped and simultaneously have the latest technological advantage.
    • It falls in line with the goal of Digital India and using such kind of smart technology will help India secure its borders.
  • Concerns:
    • Indian border is not clearly defined at a few points so it will be hard to find an exact location for the deployment of the walls.
    • Such a system might not be feasible for India’s long boundaries.
  • Suggestions:
    • It can be deployed to enhance critical security establishments and complement the already-existing physical fencing and walls.
    • Experts must explore this idea to effectively counter the problem of cross-border infiltration.

Other Related Measures in India:

  • Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS):
    • It has been deployed on the Indo-Pakistan Border and Indo-Bangladesh Border.
    • It vastly improves the capability of detecting and controlling cross border crimes.
    • It involves deployment of a range of state-of-the-art surveillance technologies like thermal imagers, infra-red and laser-based intruder alarms, etc.
  • Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique (BOLD-QIT):
    • It is the project to install technical systems, enabling the Border Security Force (BSF) to equip Indo-Bangla borders with different kinds of sensors in the unfenced riverine area of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.

Source: TH

 
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