Why is India turning to crocodiles and snakes to ‘fence’ Bangladesh border?
Indian authorities are considering the use of crocodiles and venomous snakes as natural barriers along riverine sections of the Bangladesh border where traditional fencing is difficult to install. The Border Security Force has directed frontier units to explore the feasibility of deploying reptiles in these gaps to deter undocumented migration and smuggling. The proposal has drawn criticism from human rights and wildlife experts, who warn of ecological risks and ethical concerns regarding the weaponization of animals against vulnerable populations.
- ▪India shares a 4,096km border with Bangladesh, much of which passes through difficult terrain like rivers, marshes, and hills.
- ▪The Border Security Force issued an internal directive in March 2026 to explore using reptiles such as crocodiles and venomous snakes in unfenced riverine border areas.
- ▪Fencing efforts have been delayed by land acquisition issues, local protests, and densely populated areas near the border.
- ▪Critics, including researchers and activists, argue the plan poses dangers to both local communities and ecosystems while dehumanizing migrants.
- ▪The Indian government has long cited concerns over undocumented migration altering regional demographics, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.
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EXPLAINERFeatures|WildlifeWhy is India turning to crocodiles and snakes to ‘fence’ Bangladesh border?India wants to fence the border with Bangladesh badly – even if it takes venomous snakes or crocodiles.ListenListen (9 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoPeople travel by ferry in the waters of the Hooghly river from the mainland to Ghoramara island in the Sundarbans, in West Bengal, India, on May 16, 2024 [Avijit Ghosh/Reuters]By Yashraj SharmaPublished On 30 Apr 202630 Apr 2026New Delhi, India – Indian officials have floated a controversial plan to introduce apex predators such as crocodiles and venomous snakes into riverine stretches along the Bangladesh border, to act as natural deterrents…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera.
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