Indian authorities are examining an unconventional proposal to deploy crocodiles and venomous snakes as a natural deterrent against illegal crossings along stretches of the country’s long border with Bangladesh.
The idea, described internally as a “biological barrier”, has emerged from discussions within the Border Security Force (BSF), outlet The Hindu reported on April 6.
An official memo dated March 26 instructed field units to assess the feasibility of releasing reptiles into rivers, marshes and flood-prone riverbank gaps where constructing physical fencing is difficult or impossible due to shifting waterways and seasonal flooding.
The directive explicitly noted that the measure would align with instructions from home affairs minister Amit Shah.
India shares a 4,096 km border with Bangladesh, one of the longest and most densely populated international frontiers in the world.
While the Indian government has made substantial progress in fencing much of the boundary since 2014, about 530 km remain unfenced, with around 175 km–200 km consisting of challenging river and marshy terrain, particularly in states such as West Bengal, Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya.
These areas are frequently used for unauthorised crossings linked to illegal migration, smuggling and other cross-border criminal activities.
According to reports, the proposal forms part of a wider package of border-management measures that also includes increased use of drones, infrared night-vision cameras and sniffer dogs.
BSF officers have been asked to evaluate the operational practicality of introducing crocodiles and poisonous snakes specifically in vulnerable river sections, with the aim of creating a living deterrent that would discourage migrants from attempting to swim or wade across.
No decision to implement the plan has yet been taken and field units are still examining potential challenges, including ecological consequences, safety risks to local populations and legal implications.
The suggestion has drawn widespread attention and criticism since it surfaced in Indian and international media.
Environmentalists and animal welfare groups have expressed concern over the potential disruption to fragile river ecosystems, while human rights organisations have questioned the ethics of using dangerous wildlife in a manner that could lead to injury or death.
Supporters of stricter border controls, though, argue that unconventional solutions are needed in areas where traditional fencing repeatedly fails due to natural conditions.
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