The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has bolstered its presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), increasing the number of posts from 180 to 195. A senior official disclosed that this initiative aims to enhance operational capabilities and improve border management. The force, comprising approximately one lakh personnel, is entrusted with safeguarding the 3,488-kilometer India-China LAC, with posts strategically positioned at elevations ranging from 14,000 to 18,000 feet.

During the 62nd Raising Day celebration held in the capital of Uttarakhand, ITBP Director General AD Singh announced that the government has approved the establishment of seven new ITBP battalions. He further disclosed that four of these battalions have already been established in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Director General (DG) characterized the establishment of new border posts as an "ambitious decision." In the pursuit of enhanced border management, a strategic initiative unfolded with the creation of additional forward bases. This resulted in a gradual increase in the total number of border posts, rising from 180 to 195 over a specified period, as highlighted by Singh.

The event was presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in his capacity as the chief guest. Established on October 24, 1962, the ITBP came into existence in response to the Chinese aggression. In his address, the DG conducted a comprehensive review of the force, highlighting that the ITBP has strategically deployed 500 women personnel at its border posts. Additionally, he reported that the ITBP has undertaken approximately 6,000 appointments in a "mission mode."

As a component of a strategy aimed at enhancing operational capability, the ITBP has opted to assign its younger personnel to high-altitude posts, while those in the higher age bracket or falling into the "low medical category" will be stationed at lower locations, informed Singh.

The DG reported that a specialized medical review was undertaken, resulting in a decrease of "low medical category" cases to less than five percent. At the event, Home Minister Shah inaugurated a 'logistics drone' project, showcasing a 110-kg Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) lifting approximately 15-20 kg of essential medicines and rations. This initiative aims to support ITBP jawans stationed in remote border posts and the local population.

An official reported that the drone is capable of lifting loads to a height of 14,000 feet and maintaining a flight duration of 40 minutes at speeds ranging from 28-43 kmph.

During the event, a video clip demonstrated the drone retrieving supplies from the ITBP's Nilong border post and transporting them to the high-altitude Jadhung post in Uttarakhand.

Image source: Business Standard