BSF to set up new camp at Nadapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BSF, the para-military force which had made its presence felt in the state a month ago, is all set to set up its camp at Nadapuram in Kozhikode. When it is realised, the camp will be BSF’s second one in the state, the first being in Thrissur last month. The BSF had already started its functions in the state with its headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram.The BSF is already in possession of 60 acres at Nadapuram owned by the State Government to set up its facilities.Out of the 60 acres of land, five acres are earmarked for the campus of a Kendriya Vidyalaya school.According to BSF officials, the camp, which is coming up as part of BSF’s expansion spree in the South Indian states, will house a battalion with a strength of 1200 men. Already a platoon of 25 men are camping on the acquired land for the maintenance of the land before the works begin. The BSF had submitted a master plan of the camp which had been approved by the Central Public Works Department, which will carry out the construction works, said sources.BSF Deputy Inspector-General George Manjuran told Express that the new camp was primarily intended for administrative purposes."The state has a huge number of retired BSF personnel scattered across different districts. Earlier, whenever they wanted to approach the authorities for their needs, they had to travel all the way to the headquarters in Bangalore. Our primary aim is to reduce the difficulties they face,’’ said the DIG.  He also said that the BSF will also provide aid to the State Police whenever there is an emergency call in case of a riot or mutiny.Last month, the  BSF had opened its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram and also set up a camp in Thrissur with a strength of 156 and 300 personnel respectively. The strength of the Thrissur camp will be gradually be increased to 1200.