India plans to introduce crocodiles and venomous snakes along the Bangladesh border as a deterrent against undocumented migration and smuggling. The decision follows a directive from the Border Security Force (BSF) issued on March 26, 2026, exploring the feasibility of deploying these reptiles in vulnerable riverine zones.
The India-Bangladesh border stretches 4,096 kilometers, with nearly 3,000 kilometers already fenced by India. Activists are alarmed at the prospect of using dangerous animals to deter migrants. They argue that this approach is inhumane and poses risks to local communities.
Crocodiles are not native to the riverine stretches along this border. The introduction of these predators could disrupt local ecosystems. Flooding in riverine regions might also carry venomous snakes into nearby areas, endangering residents.
Angshuman Choudhury from a local advocacy group stated, “This would be hilarious if it weren’t sinister and dangerous.” He added, “These forced expulsions are new border control mechanisms, which are very sinister.” Harsh Mander emphasized that there’s no justification for exposing undocumented immigrants to such dangers.
The border was sealed for three days starting April 26, 2026, during elections in West Bengal. Special permissions were granted for emergency medical cases, voters, and vehicles carrying perishable goods during this period.
No country has previously employed wild predators for border surveillance. The implications for human rights and wildlife conservation are significant. Observers suggest that this plan could escalate tensions in India-Bangladesh relations.
