Expressing concern over the increasing number of natural disasters in some border states and union territories, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh suggested the need for a detailed study to investigate whether India's adversaries are playing a role in these events. Speaking at the inauguration of border area infrastructure projects, Singh emphasized that climate change is now linked to national security, and the rising frequency of natural disasters in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Ladakh should be thoroughly examined.
While experts attribute the increase in natural disasters to climate change, Singh hinted at the possibility of adversaries playing a role, without naming any specific country. The defence ministry takes the rise in natural disasters seriously and believes it deserves a detailed study. Singh suggested that assistance from friendly countries could be sought if needed.
Highlighting the Modi government's approach to border area development, Singh emphasized that border regions are considered part of the mainstream rather than buffer zones. The government aims to create world-class infrastructure in border areas, with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) playing a crucial role in recent years.
Singh praised the women personnel of the BRO for their role in the successful rescue operation at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district. The rescue involved preparing a 1.5 km track up a hill slope in challenging terrain. The inaugurated projects include 29 bridges and six roads, contributing to the development of infrastructure in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. The focus is on creating robust infrastructure in border areas as part of India's development journey from the seas to the borders.
(With Agency Inputs)
