The government has planned to make a first state-of-the-art composite border outpost (BoP) for ITBP jawans in Ladakh to provide better-working conditions to those guarding the border.
- The first composite BoP at a forward location near the China border is being constructed in the Lukung valley at a cost of ₹17 crore.
- It is being constructed at a height of 15,000 feet, which comprise of central heating, roofs covered with solar panels, toilets with running hot water, recreation rooms.
- These BoP will maintain the inside temperature at 20-22 degree celsius in Lukung Valley.
- Funds for these projects were sanctioned when home minister Rajnath Singh, during a visit to ITBP’s forward location last year on the India-China border, saw the harsh conditions jawans were living in.
- This project will use indigenous technology, designed by IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee, which would use solar energy for heating and draw ground water into the heated environment of the BoP to keep it running.
- The design will also have an interlinked system of barracks to accommodate over 100 jawans, mess, toilets, armoury, medical room, an office of senior officers and area for motor and animal transport.
- The work on the first BoP has started. It should be completed by May next year and our jawans can use it from next winter.
- The ITBP plans to construct 50 such BoPs in the region, where temperatures usually hit minus 40-degree celsius.
- Once the old BoPs in Leh-Ladakh region are converted into Composite BoPs, there are plans to upgrade 27 such outposts in Arunachal Pradesh as well, which also shares a long border with China.
