In a proactive move to safeguard national security, India is set to deploy sophisticated Radiation Detection Equipment (RDE) at eight strategic land ports positioned along its borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal. These cutting-edge RDE units are being installed to deter the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials, which could potentially be exploited in the creation of nuclear weaponry.
This critical endeavor is orchestrated by the Central Government, aimed at securing India’s interests by effectively monitoring and curbing the cross-border movement of radioactive substances. The chosen locations for the installation of RDE units include Integrated Check Posts and land ports at Attari (Pakistan border), Petrapole, Agartala, Dawki, and Sutarkandi (all situated along the Bangladesh border), Raxaul and Jogbani (Nepal), and Moreh (Myanmar).
The government has already taken decisive action by awarding a work order for the supply, installation, and maintenance of these advanced Radiation Detection Equipment units at the specified operational Integrated Check Posts. An agreement, executed last year, sets the stage for the seamless deployment of this essential technology. The selected vendor is poised to deliver the equipment promptly, thus expediting the installation process.
The significance of this initiative is amplified by the fact that these eight Integrated Check Posts are known to experience a considerable volume of cross-border traffic for both people and goods. The potential smuggling of radioactive materials presents a formidable challenge to India’s security apparatus, as these materials could be exploited for the development of nuclear devices or radiological dispersal devices.
The RDE units will be integrated into drive-through monitoring stations responsible for scrutinizing trucks and their cargo, further enhancing India’s ability to thwart illicit trafficking. These state-of-the-art units are equipped with capabilities to raise distinct gamma and neutron radiation alarms while generating video frames of suspected objects. Furthermore, they possess the capacity to differentiate between special nuclear materials and naturally occurring radiation found in items such as fertilizers or ceramics, as well as high-energy gamma isotopes, a characteristic of recycled uranium.
In an endeavor to ensure the effectiveness of this initiative, the Indian government has sought technical assistance from various foreign agencies, including entities from the United States, to guarantee the successful installation of the Radiation Detection Equipment.
While the movement of people and goods has seen a reduction at the Attari Integrated Check Post due to current strained relations with Pakistan, the remaining Integrated Check Posts continue to witness substantial activity. These RDE units will empower security agencies operating at these posts to efficiently monitor cross-border cargo movement, reinforcing India’s commitment to safeguarding its national security.
