Elucidate the salient features of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). Discuss challenges in its implementation.

The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) is touted as a more robust and integrated system that is capable of addressing the gaps in the present system of border security by seamlessly integrating human resources, weapons, and high-tech surveillance equipment. 
Features of the CIBMS

• It has three main components:
• A new high-tech surveillance devices such as sensors, detectors, cameras, ground-based radar systems, micro-aerostats, lasers as well as existing equipment for round-the-clock surveillance of the international border.
• An efficient and dedicated communication network including fibre optic cables and satellite communication for transmitting data gathered by these diverse high-tech surveillance and detection devices.
• A command and control centre to which the data will be transmitted in order to apprise the senior commanders about the happenings on the ground and thus providing a composite picture of the international border.
• The purpose of the CIBMS is to eventually replace manual surveillance/patrolling of the international borders by electronic surveillance and organising the BSF personnel into quick reaction teams to enhance their detection and interception capabilities. 
• Other factors such as power back up, training of the BSF personnel in handling the sophisticated equipment, and maintenance of the equipment are incorporated into the CIBMS project.

Challenges in the implementation

• In the case of India, it is widely accepted that the operation and maintenance of the existing sophisticated equipments remain a problem.
• At present, many of the high-tech surveillance devices deployed by the BSF are not optimally utilised because the required technical expertise is not uniformly available among the force’s personnel.
• The high cost of the electronic devices and the lack of easy availability of spare parts act as a deterrent against their use.
• Control centres manned by incompetent BSF officials and centralised decision making could hamper timely and effective response on the ground given that detection and interception of infiltrators at the border require a quick response which is achieved only through a decentralised decision making process.
• The lack of technical expertise, erratic power supply and adverse climatic and terrain conditions in the border areas could potentially undermine the functioning of the sophisticated system.

High-cost and innovative technological solutions that require extensive technical expertise cannot be a sole tool to strengthen the border security. There is a need of judicious mix of properly trained manpower and affordable and tested technology is to yield better results.

Topics: GS-III: Security Challenges and Their Management in Border Areas