Mann government makes Punjab the country's first state with anti-drone coverage, 'Second Line of Defense' becomes an example of security*
Chandigarh, November 6, 2025 : A new chapter in security is being written along Punjab’s 553-kilometer-long international border. The state government’s border security initiatives, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, have set a model for the entire country. To address serious challenges like drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and drone infiltration, the Punjab government has developed a robust ‘Second Line of Defense’ based on modern technology, administrative vigilance, and public participation, making border security impenetrable.
Punjab Becomes First State to Deploy Anti-Drone Systems, Strengthening Border Security : Mann
The state government’s most significant and historic decision has been the procurement and deployment of nine state-of-the-art anti-drone systems. These systems are being installed in border districts at a cost of approximately ₹51.4 crore. These systems can not only detect drones flying within a 10-kilometer radius but can also pinpoint the location of their operators. This initiative makes Punjab the first state in the country to lay the foundation for anti-drone coverage. This visionary initiative by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is proving to be a powerful technological shield against all illegal activities from across the border.
The Punjab government has also nearly completed a project to install 3,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras in border areas. The government has already activated about 2,300 of these cameras to instantly track suspicious activity and send alerts to the police control room. It has also allocated a budget of ₹20 crore for this project. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that “thousands of eyes are now monitoring every movement on Punjab’s borders, ensuring the state’s security day and night.”
Punjab Strengthens Border Security with 19,000 Village Committees and 5,000 Home Guards
The government has made public participation the strongest link in this security system. The state government has formed 19,523 Village Defense Committees in border areas, comprising local citizens, ex-servicemen, teachers, and youth. These committees are conducting campaigns against drug abuse and smuggling at the village level. They immediately report any suspicious activity to the police. This has led to greater social vigilance and public engagement in the border areas.
In addition, the Mann government has decided to deploy 5,000 Home Guards in the border areas. This is Punjab’s own ‘second line of defense.’ They work alongside the state police and security agencies to ensure vigilance in the border areas. The government has equipped these Home Guards with modern tools and training so they can respond promptly to any challenge. This initiative not only strengthens security but also opens up new employment opportunities for Punjab’s youth.
Special budget of ₹110 crore to strengthen border security.
The Punjab government has allocated a special budget of ₹110 crore to strengthen border security. The government has prioritized anti-drone systems, AI camera networks, Home Guard recruitment, and infrastructure development. It has released ₹40 crore for border development projects, allocated ₹20 crore to expand the CCTV network, and set aside ₹10 crore for purchasing new vehicles. Another ₹10 crore is for building and checkpoint construction.
The Punjab Police has established 100 checkpoints every 5 kilometers along the border, making the surveillance system impenetrable. Every vehicle and person is now under strict surveillance. These efforts have significantly reduced drone-based smuggling. Sometimes, drones are forced to return back across the border after attempted smuggling.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab has proven a significant point about border security. It is not solely the responsibility of the security forces. Instead, it results from technology, administrative efficiency, and public solidarity. Punjab has nine anti-drone systems, 3,000 AI cameras, 19,523 village defense committees, and 5,000 home guards. Additionally, there is a ₹110 crore security budget and a ₹40 crore infrastructure allocation. These combined efforts have transformed Punjab into a state with a safe, vigilant, and self-reliant border. This policy of the Mann government is now becoming an inspiration for the entire country.
