India Considers Deploying Crocodiles, Snakes Along Bangladesh Border River

Darwin, 03 April: India is considering an unusual but strategic measure to strengthen border security by deploying reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes along difficult riverine and marshy sections of the India-Bangladesh border, according to a report by The Federal.

Historically, moats filled with dangerous animals were used to protect forts and palaces. Now, in the 21st century, a similar concept is being explored for national security purposes. India’s Border Security Force (BSF) is assessing the feasibility of using natural predators to guard areas where conventional fencing is not possible.

The 4,096.7-kilometer-long India-Bangladesh border includes vast stretches of rivers and wetlands, making physical barriers difficult to install. Following a directive reportedly linked to Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, the BSF has begun evaluating this unconventional approach.

A confidential communication sent on March 26 to BSF’s Eastern and North-Eastern sector headquarters instructed officials to examine whether snakes or crocodiles could be deployed in river channels and hilly streams where barbed-wire fencing cannot be constructed.

The idea bears a striking resemblance to a concept once associated with U.S. President Donald Trump. A detention facility in Florida, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” is naturally surrounded by alligators and pythons, discouraging escape attempts.

In 2018, Trump had also suggested placing alligators in the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border, though he later dismissed the idea as a joke. India, however, appears to be taking the concept seriously.

Why This Measure?
The BSF is currently facing manpower shortages and infrastructural challenges. Of the approximately 265,000 personnel tasked with guarding nearly 6,200 kilometers of border, many are often deployed for internal security duties or election-related assignments.

Additionally, around 20 percent of the force is aged between 45 and 60, while another 20 percent is not fully physically fit for demanding field duties. These constraints have prompted authorities to explore nature-based deterrents as a supplementary security measure.

Modernization and Ground Realities
India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has a plan to modernize the BSF into one of the world’s most advanced border forces within the next five years. Initiatives such as “e-border” electronic surveillance systems are already underway.

However, out of the total India-Bangladesh border, nearly 850 kilometers remain unfenced, including about 175 kilometers that cannot be fenced due to rivers and wetlands.

These vulnerable areas are considered hotspots for illegal crossings and smuggling.

The proposed deployment of reptiles is being considered as a harsh but alternative method to secure these challenging terrains.