BSF to Launch ‘Operation Sard Hawa’ Along India–Pakistan Border, Deploys Durga Vahini to Thwart Winter Infiltration

In a decisive move to counter infiltration attempts along the India–Pakistan border, the Border Security Force (BSF) is set to launch its annual winter security अभियान, ‘Operation Sard Hawa’, across sensitive sectors in Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan. The operation will be rolled out at an appropriate time next month and continue until the end of January, keeping in mind the heightened security sensitivities ahead of Republic Day.

According to BSF officials, the operation is aimed at neutralising infiltration, smuggling and illegal cross-border movement that typically increase during winter due to dense fog, low visibility and harsh weather conditions, which are often exploited by hostile elements.

Enhanced Surveillance and Patrolling

Under Operation Sard Hawa, border surveillance and patrolling will be significantly intensified. Officials stationed in Jammu told news agency ANI that additional troops will be deployed, night patrols increased, and vulnerable stretches of the border placed under continuous monitoring.

The Kashmir Frontier has been reinforced with radar-based and sensor-based systems, advanced surveillance gadgets, and thermal imaging technology to detect movement even in near-zero visibility. Drone-based surveillance has also been scaled up substantially to monitor infiltration routes along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).

Deployment of Durga Vahini and Drone Commandos

In response to specific intelligence inputs indicating possible infiltration attempts, the BSF will also deploy its elite ‘Durga Vahini’ units, along with special drone commandos and drone warriors, to strengthen aerial reconnaissance and rapid response capabilities.

A senior official said these units will play a crucial role in tracking suspicious movement, coordinating real-time intelligence, and ensuring swift action against any emerging threat.

Rajasthan Frontier on High Alert

In the Rajasthan sector, particularly along the challenging terrain of the Thar Desert, commanders have been instructed to ensure seamless communication, conduct regular drills, and maintain robust contingency plans to respond to any security breach.

What is Operation Sard Hawa?

Operation Sard Hawa is a yearly winter security exercise conducted by the BSF along the India–Pakistan border. It covers critical areas in Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan, including key border outposts and vulnerable infiltration corridors. The operation focuses on detecting and preventing infiltration and cross-border crimes during winter, using advanced technology and increased manpower.

The operation usually coincides with the Republic Day period and runs parallel to the summer anti-infiltration drive known as ‘Operation Garam Hawa’.

With evolving threats and sophisticated infiltration tactics, Operation Sard Hawa underscores BSF’s preparedness and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders, even under the most challenging climatic conditions.