Bamboo Barriers, Real Risks: What News18 Found At Unfenced Bengal-Bangladesh Border

Last Updated:February 01, 2026, 05:21 IST

News18 visited unfenced border areas in Nadia district, specifically the Ranaghat-Duttaphulia region, located a little over two hours from Kolkata

TL;DR: The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal government to hand over land in specific areas to the Border Security Force (BSF) by March 31 to enable the construction of fencing along the international border.

The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal government to hand over land in specific areas to the Border Security Force (BSF) by March 31 to enable the construction of fencing along the international border. West Bengal shares an approximately 2,217-km border with Bangladesh, of which more than 500 km remains unfenced.

For years, there have been allegations that criminal activities and infiltration take place through these unfenced stretches. The BJP has repeatedly raised this issue, claiming that the state government is not providing land for fencing, despite it being a security necessity.

To understand the ground reality, News18 visited unfenced border areas in Nadia district, specifically the Ranaghat–Duttaphulia region, located a little over two hours from Kolkata. A strong BSF presence was visible along the border. However, when News18 reached the unfenced area of Kalopur Uttarpara, disturbing visuals emerged.

There was no permanent fencing in place. Instead, the BSF had installed makeshift bamboo structures, which can be easily broken. These fragile arrangements clearly highlight the urgent need for proper fencing in the region. Beyond the bamboo barriers lies the no-man’s land, followed by Bangladesh, making the vulnerability even more apparent.

Although BSF posts and regular monitoring exist, the absence of permanent fencing poses serious security concerns.

Local resident Shyamal Biswas, whose house is located right next to the unfenced border, has been living there for the past 70 years. Speaking with News18, he said, “We live in fear. What if something happens? Sometimes people from the other side create problems. Infiltrators come in the middle of the night. Earlier, cattle smuggling used to happen frequently, though it has reduced now. The BSF is present, but it is still worrying. Permanent fencing is required."

It is not just Shyamal Biswas—almost every villager expressed similar concerns, saying they live with constant uncertainty.

Another villager, Ananda Roy, told News18, “We have become habituated to this situation. Some people who came from the other side have even made identity cards here. Many people went back because of SIR. Fencing is the need of the hour. We know that land has been handed over in some places and will be handed over in others, but the situation on the other side is not good. Permanent fencing is needed as soon as possible."

Women from the village echoed similar concerns. Anita Kundu, a member of the Matua community who migrated from Bangladesh in 1971, told News18, “We came here in 1971. We have everything here, and we are Indians. But illegal activities continue in and around this area because there is no fencing. Look at this makeshift bamboo structure—anyone can break it."

The situation is not limited to Kalopur Uttarpara. Nearby areas such as Barunberia and Silberia face similar challenges. Despite heavy deployment of BSF personnel, unfenced stretches remain an easy route for infiltrators and smugglers, underlining the urgent need for permanent border fencing.

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