BSF (Border Security Force)

Brihaspathi Technologies Completes Tremendous Delivery of its CCTV Surveillance Systems to the BSF (Border Security Force) for their Multi-location Security Needs in the Form of PTZ and Bullet Cameras

About the Project:

The BSF (Border Security Force) surveillance project aimed to enhance border security in three critical areas of India: Berhampore - Kolkata, West Bengal; Malda - Kolkata, West Bengal and Bangladesh Border; and Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and Pakistan Border. These border regions were susceptible to various security threats, including gold and cattle smuggling, as well as potential terrorist activities and smuggling along the Pakistan border.

Project Overview:

The project is organized into three distinct phases, each contributing to the successful implementation of a complex technical endeavor. These phases are designed to ensure that the project progresses smoothly from initial concept to final delivery and handover. Below is an overview of each phase:

Phase 1 - Entire Site Survey and Analysis:

Following the successful technical demonstration and qualification of the proof of concept, the project moves into the second phase, which involves conducting an in-depth site survey and analysis. This phase is pivotal in understanding the site-specific conditions and requirements, enabling the project team to devise the best-suited solution. Key activities in this phase include:

Site Inspection: A comprehensive site inspection is carried out to assess the physical environment, infrastructure, and any existing systems that may impact the project.

Data Collection: Detailed data is collected regarding the site conditions, including geographical, environmental, and logistical factors.

Analysis: The collected data is analyzed to identify challenges, constraints, and opportunities. The analysis forms the basis for designing the most appropriate and effective solution.

Solution Design: Based on the analysis, a tailored solution is designed to address the specific needs and conditions of the project site. This includes the selection of technology, equipment, and methodologies.

Cost Estimation: A detailed cost estimate is developed, considering all aspects of the project, including equipment, labor, materials, and other resources.

Phase 2 - Technical Demonstration (Proof of Concept):

In the initial phase of the project, the focus is on conducting a technical demonstration to validate the feasibility and viability of the proposed solution. This phase serves as a crucial foundation for the subsequent phases and involves the following key activities:

Proof of Concept (PoC): A proof-of-concept is developed and tested to verify that the selected technology or solution functions as intended and is capable of addressing the project's challenges.

Technical Qualification: The technical qualification of the proof of concept is a critical milestone. It involves rigorous testing, assessment, and validation to ensure that the proposed solution is technically sound and meets the project's specifications.

Phase 3 - Supply, Installation, Commissioning, Testing, and Handover:

In the final phase, the project transitions from planning and design to implementation and delivery. This phase encompasses the actual execution of the project and ensures that the solution is deployed successfully and functions as intended. Key activities in this phase include:

Supply: Procurement and delivery of all necessary equipment, materials, and resources required for the project.

Installation: Skilled personnel carry out the installation of the solution, which may involve setting up technology infrastructure, systems, or equipment.

Commissioning: The newly installed components are configured and integrated to ensure they work together seamlessly.

Testing: Rigorous testing and quality assurance procedures are conducted to verify the functionality and performance of the entire system.

Handover: Once the solution is deemed operational and meeting project objectives, it is officially handed over to the client or end-users.

Project Objectives:

Brihaspathi Technologies was tasked with providing a surveillance infrastructure to the Border Security Force (BSF) for the West Bengal and Rajasthan borders with India’s neighboring countries of Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The primary objectives of the project are twofold, aimed at enhancing security and preventing illegal activities along the border regions of West Bengal and the Rajasthan-Pakistan border:

Preventing Gold and Cattle Smuggling in the West Bengal Border:

Objective: To curb and deter illegal activities, particularly the smuggling of gold and cattle, along the border regions of West Bengal.

Approach: The project employed advanced surveillance technologies and strategies to monitor and respond to smuggling attempts effectively. This includes the deployment of CCTV cameras, border patrols, and intelligence gathering to detect and deter smugglers.

Countering Pakistan Terrorist Activities and Smuggling across the Rajasthan-Pakistan Border:

Objective: To enhance security measures and intelligence capabilities to prevent terrorist activities and smuggling attempts across the Rajasthan-Pakistan border.

Approach: The project employs a multifaceted approach, combining technology, intelligence, and border enforcement. This includes the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, strengthening border patrols, intelligence sharing, and coordination with law enforcement agencies to detect and deter terrorist activities and smuggling.

Technologies Used:

The project heavily relied on IP-based CCTV systems, interconnected through Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) connectivity to establish a robust surveillance backbone.

IP-based CCTV Systems:

Description: The project utilized IP-based CCTV systems, which are advanced surveillance cameras that capture and transmit video and audio data over Internet Protocol (IP) networks.

Purpose: IP-based CCTV cameras are strategically positioned along the border regions to monitor activities in real-time, providing enhanced situational awareness and quick response to security incidents.

Benefits:

  • High-Quality Video: IP cameras offer high-resolution video capture, ensuring clear and detailed footage.
  • Remote Monitoring: The system allows for remote monitoring, enabling real-time surveillance from a central control room.
  • Digital Recording: Video footage is digitally recorded, providing an audit trail for security incidents and investigations.
  • Scalability: The project can easily scale up the number of cameras and locations as needed.
  • Integration: IP cameras can be integrated with other security systems for a comprehensive security solution.
  • Connectivity: The IP cameras are interconnected through Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) connectivity, creating a robust and high-bandwidth network backbone.

How Brihaspathi Technologies Helped?

To achieve these objectives, the following solutions were implemented in each of the three project areas:

BSF (Berhampore - Kolkata, West Bengal):

  • Installation of 60 PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras
  • Deployment of 209 static bullet cameras
  • Provision of 1 KVA inverter UPS systems with 150AH batteries to address daytime power supply issues
  • Extensive use of OFC for connectivity and communication
  • Implementation of a network of 24 U racks, switches, and NVRs for surveillance data management
  • Use of outdoor IRIDS for improved night vision capabilities

BSF (Malda - Kolkata, West Bengal and Bangladesh Border):

  • Installation of 49 PTZ cameras
  • Deployment of 192 static bullet cameras
  • 1KVA invertor point
  • Use of DVR and XVR HVR systems with 1 TB storage
  • Extensive use of OFC for connectivity
  • Implementation of a network of 24 U racks, switches, and NVRs for surveillance data management
  • Utilization of online UPS systems for power backup

BSF (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and Pakistan Border):

  • Installation of 28 PTZ cameras
  • Deployment of 119 static bullet cameras
  • Provision of 1 KVA inverter UPS systems with 150AH batteries for daytime power backup
  • Utilization of a network of 24 U racks, switches, and NVRs for surveillance data management
  • Extensive use of OFC for connectivity

Challenges Received:

Several challenges were encountered during the implementation of the project. The main challenge that the company faced was two-fold: first, many of the sites along the borders did not have access to power during the day, as they only had BFL poles lighting up at night time. Second, due to the remote locations of many of the sites, it was difficult to execute the necessary civil works, such as pole erection and cable laying.

  • Daytime Power Supply Issue in all the 3 Locations: Some project areas faced daytime power supply issues, requiring a backup power solution to ensure uninterrupted surveillance.
  • Remote Locations and Execution Difficulties in all the 3 Locations: In remote areas, the execution of the project was challenging due to difficulties in transporting materials and carrying out civil works such as pole erection and cable laying.
  • Infeasibility of Wired Solutions (Berhampore - Kolkata, West Bengal), (Malda - Kolkata, West Bengal and Bangladesh Border): Some locations lacked the infrastructure necessary for wired solutions, particularly due to the absence of poles for cabling over long distances.

Solutions to Challenges:

To address these challenges, the project team implemented the following solutions:

Solutions to Daytime Power Supply Issue & Remote Locations and Execution Difficulties in all the 3 Locations:

  • Provided 1 KVA inverter UPS systems with 150AH batteries to ensure power backup during daytime power supply issues. These systems charged during nighttime hours and provided backup for 8 to 12 hours during the day.
  • Adopted a proactive approach to overcome logistical challenges in remote locations.

Solutions to Infeasibility of Wired Solutions (Berhampore - Kolkata, West Bengal), (Malda - Kolkata, West Bengal and Bangladesh Border):

Wireless Connectivity: In locations where it is not feasible to establish wired connections, a wireless solution implemented. Point-to-point wireless communication technology allows for the transmission of data between two fixed points, bridging the gap where cabling is not possible. High-frequency wireless equipment can cover substantial distances and deliver reliable connectivity.

Tower Infrastructure: To enable point-to-point wireless communication, tower infrastructure erected at strategic locations along the border. These towers hosted the necessary equipment for wireless data transmission. The use of tall towers extended the range of wireless signals, making it possible to connect distant locations.

Outcome:

The implementation of the BSF surveillance project in Berhampore, Malda, and Jaisalmer regions yielded several notable results:

Enhanced Border Security: The installation of over 657 high-quality CCTV cameras significantly improved border security in these critical regions, allowing for real-time monitoring and swift response to security threats.

Reduced Smuggling Activities: The project successfully curbed gold and cattle smuggling along the West Bengal borders, leading to a reduction in illegal activities in these areas.

Improved Counterterrorism Measures: Along the Rajasthan-Pakistan border, the project bolstered security measures, reducing the risk of terrorist activities and smuggling attempts.

Enhanced Surveillance Infrastructure: The deployment of IP-based CCTV systems with OFC connectivity established a robust surveillance infrastructure that can adapt to evolving security needs.