The Border Security Force (BSF) is preparing to launch an important winter security plan called Operation ‘Sard Hawa’ (Cold Wind) along the India-Pakistan border. This operation will begin soon in many difficult border areas, including the Kashmir frontier, key security points in Jammu, and the vast desert areas of Rajasthan. The main purpose of the operation is to stop any possible attempts at infiltration by people trying to cross the border illegally, especially during the winter season when dense fog and low visibility make it easier for such activities to happen. 

Officials in the BSF told ANI that Operation Sard Hawa will start at the right time next month and will continue until the end of January. The timing is important because it comes before the Republic Day celebrations, when security across the country is very important. During this period, the BSF wants to make sure that the border is safe and secure. 

An official posted in Jammu, speaking, explained the reason for the winter plan. He said the main goal of the operation is to stop infiltration attempts because “dense fog and mist during the winter season create favourable conditions for such activities.” 

The official added that special steps will be taken to make the border safer. “Heightened security measures are adopted with increased vigilance and patrolling along the India-Pakistan border during Operation Sard Hawa,” he said. This means that troops will watch the border more closely and patrol regularly to keep an eye out for any suspicious movement. 

An officer from the Kashmir frontier also shared more details about how the BSF will monitor the border. The officer said that radar-based and sensor-based equipment have been increased in the BSF’s tools for better monitoring. These include modern gadgets and advanced surveillance equipment. This is to make sure the force has stronger systems to watch the Line of Control (LoC) and detect any unusual activity. 

The officer also highlighted the use of drones. He said, “Drone-based surveillance has been significantly stepped up considering the gravity of the situation.” This means that drones will be used much more during this operation to assist in aerial monitoring. The officer added that specialised drone commandos and drone warriors, along with the BSF’s ‘Durga Wahini’ units, will be part of the deployment to strengthen aerial reconnaissance during the operation. This step has been taken after getting intelligence reports that suggest there might be infiltration attempts from across the border during this time. 

In the Rajasthan frontier, another officer explained how commanders have been instructed to prepare for all situations. He said that they have been told to make sure there is smooth communication, carry out regular drills, and create strong contingency plans. These plans are to make sure that the force can respond effectively if any threat or emergency situation arises along the border. 

Operation ‘Sard Hawa’ is not new. It is an annual winter security exercise that the BSF conducts every year along the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan. It covers very tough and challenging areas such as the Kashmir sector, important security points in Jammu, and the Thar Desert. The operation focuses on both the International Boundary (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC). 

The main aim of the operation is to detect infiltration, smuggling, and illegal cross-border movement, especially when dense fog makes visibility poor. During winter, poor visibility can help individuals move across the border without being easily seen. To prevent this, the BSF increases surveillance, deploys more personnel, and uses advanced technology like thermal imaging systems to watch the border closely. 

Operation Sard Hawa usually starts in January, around the time of Republic Day, and runs alongside another counter-infiltration drive called Operation Garam Hawa (Hot Wind), which is carried out during warmer months. Both operations focus on making sure the border remains secure throughout the year. 

To make the operation effective, the BSF uses modern weapons and high-tech tools, as well as intensified patrols. In some hard-to-reach areas, patrols are carried out using both vehicles and camels. Officers and other BSF personnel are placed close to the border fencing to make sure they can monitor activity day and night. 

The BSF’s intelligence wing also works closely with other security agencies to keep an ongoing watch on any suspicious movements. This constant coordination helps improve the speed and effectiveness of responses if any unusual activity is detected. 

The key goals of Operation Sard Hawa are to reinforce border security, increase the presence of troops, enhance surveillance capabilities, and maintain full operational control along the India-Pakistan frontier during the challenging winter months. 

Through this operation, the BSF aims to ensure that the border remains safe and secure in the run-up to Republic Day, protecting the country from any threat that might take advantage of poor weather conditions to carry out unlawful activities.