Question : FENCING AT INDO-PAK BORDER

(a) whether barbed wire fencing and flood lights installation works have been carried out at the indo-pak border to deal with the problem of terrorism:

(b) if so, the details thereof and the progress made in this regard along with expenditure incurred thereon:

(c) whether any scheme is under consideration of the Government for fencing of the rest of the border area with the barbed wire;

(d) if so, the details thereof, sector-wise; and

(e) the time by which the said work is likely to be started and completed?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO)

(a)to(e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No.239 (Position : 19th) due for answer on 8th August, 2000.

(a) & (b): A total of 452 kms and 1048 kms of International Border with Pakistan has been fenced and flood lit in Punjab and Rajasthan sectors, at a cost of Rs.141.90 crores and Rs.399.91 crores respectively. Certain unfeasible riverine and shifting sand dune areas in Punjab and Rajasthan respectively have been left unfenced.

(c) to (e): Government have approved a comprehensive proposal for construction of fencing and flood lighting on raised embankments, link roads and Border Out Posts in 310 kms of Rann of Kutch area in Gujarat sector at an estimated cost of Rs. 380.00 crores. Work in 10 kms stretch has already been completed and entire project is expected to be completed in five years` time.

Further, it has been decided to undertake fencing/flood lighting along the 180 Kms of Jammu International Border and provision of electronic surveillance equipment in sensitive stretches. This project is expected to be completed in about one and a half year`s time.