The Border Security Force (BSF) is likely to deploy by the year-end two All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and as many hovercraft to keep vigil on the Pakistani activities in the Harami Nala creek,which has not been accessible for the Indian security forces so far. Though this stretch of water measuring 25 kms in length and 1.5 kms in breadth falls within the territorial boundaries of India,the Indian security forces have not been able to keep check on the activities here,as it is accessible from the Pakistani side through Sir Creek,which is easily negotiable with boats. According to BSF officials,Pakistanis have been using Harami Nala for fishing as well as helping infiltration in India through the Rann of Kutch. And the Indian security forces have not been able to keep full vigil on alien activities in the stretch owing to lack of access. The only method of accessing the area and keeping vigil on this stretch at present is the aerial surveillance. But officials say that aerial surveillance alone was not very effective because aircraft or helicopters cant hover over the area round the clock. About a year ago,the BSF entered into a deal with an Italian firm for ATVs to negotiate the marshylands of the Rann to reach Harami Nala. However,before buying them,the Home Ministry wanted to test the vehicles if these could operate successfully in the difficult terrains of the Rann. Sources in the BSF said that after certain modifications,ATVs as well as hovercraft were found successful and were likely to be put into operation in the Harami Nala area in the next few months after other formalities like payments with the firm were completed. They say that once ATVs and hovercraft are acquired,they could also be used in other parts of the Rann,particularly during May and November when the entire Rann becomes inaccessible due to rains. Officials say that even tractors that negotiate well in marshy lands in other seasons,fail completely during rains. But ATVs and hovercraft,say BSF sources,have been found to be quite successful and would greatly help the personnel in keeping extra vigil in the area. When asked when exactly the ATVs and hovercraft would be deployed,a senior official said on condition of anonymity,It will take at least three more months.
