Large portions of the India–Bangladesh border lie in flood-prone terrain, making conventional physical barriers hard to maintain. These areas are also densely populated, raising concerns that the introduction of reptiles could endanger civilians on both sides during seasonal flooding.
BSF formations stationed along the frontier have been instructed to study whether reptiles could be used to curb infiltration and localised criminal activity, media reports say. A communication issued from BSF headquarters on 26 March stated that the proposal was aligned with directions from Amit Shah. Reportedly, the units should "examine the operational feasibility of deploying reptiles (snakes or crocodiles) in vulnerable riverine areas."
Officials emphasise that the concept remains strictly exploratory.
"The reptile guidelines have not been implemented," official told The Hindu. "There are significant operational challenges—how these reptiles would be introduced, and what consequences this might have for communities living along the riverbanks."
The BSF, which secures India’s frontiers with both Bangladesh and Pakistan, has not yet taken any practical steps toward deploying the proposed deterrents.