NEW DELHI: Indian authorities are facing growing criticism after reports that officials have explored using crocodiles and venomous snakes as a natural deterrent along difficult stretches of the India-Bangladesh border.
According to internal communication from India’s Border Security Force (BSF), personnel were directed to examine “the feasibility of deploying reptiles in vulnerable riverine gaps” where fencing is difficult due to challenging terrain.
The 4,000-kilometre border includes marshlands, rivers, and densely populated areas, making physical barriers hard to construct in some regions.
The proposal has alarmed human rights groups and environmental experts, who warn it could endanger local communities and wildlife.
Critics argue that such measures reflect an extreme approach to border control.
“This would be hilarious if it weren’t sinister and dangerous,” said researcher Angshuman Choudhury. He added that once released, such animals “won’t be able to differentiate if it’s a Bangladeshi or Indian,” calling the idea “a whole new way of weaponising nature and animals against human beings.”
Harsh policy measures
Human rights activist Harsh Mander also condemned the proposal, describing it as evidence of harsh policy measures. “This kind of policy reflects the Indian state’s cruelty,” he said, warning that using wildlife as a deterrent could expose both migrants and local populations to serious harm.
Experts further highlighted ecological risks. Wildlife specialists note that crocodiles are not native to many of the proposed areas, raising concerns about survival and disruption to fragile ecosystems.
Introducing predators into open river systems could also lead to unintended consequences, including attacks on fishermen and residents living along the border.
Extrajudicial measures
The idea comes amid broader concerns about India’s approach to undocumented migration. Activists have long criticised policies they say disproportionately target minorities and rely on extrajudicial measures rather than legal processes.
Analysts say the plan reflects longstanding challenges in securing riverine sections of the border, but warn that such unconventional measures could worsen humanitarian and environmental risks rather than address underlying issues.
There is no modern precedent for using dangerous wildlife as a border control mechanism, making the proposal particularly controversial. Critics argue that instead of relying on such measures, authorities should focus on diplomatic engagement and lawful processes to manage cross-border concerns.
As debate intensifies, the proposal has sparked wider questions about the balance between security, human rights and environmental protection in one of South Asia’s most sensitive border regions.
