UAV Mapping of Cross-Border Land Encroachment on India-Nepal Border; Technical Solution Targeted Within 3 Years

India and Nepal have reached an agreement to jointly map cross-border occupation—situations where citizens of one nation cultivate land or reside within the territory of the other. This decision was taken during the 13th meeting of the Survey Officials’ Committee (SOC). Both nations will utilize modern surveying techniques and UAV-based aerial imagery for this process.

Objective of UAV-based Mapping:

The proposed survey involves capturing high-resolution aerial images using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Technical experts from both countries will jointly analyze these images to determine the actual extent of cross-border farming, habitation, and land use. The immediate goal is not to make political decisions regarding land ownership but to compile reliable technical and scientific data. The use of UAVs and advanced surveying techniques has previously been encouraged within the India-Nepal technical cooperation framework.

River Course Changes and Border-related Issues:

Technical complexities have arisen in certain sections of the India-Nepal border due to river-based demarcation. Changes in river courses over time have created a situation where citizens of one country are found farming or residing on land that, according to the established boundary, falls within the territory of the other country. Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has characterized this as an issue of "cross-border occupation" arising from the "Fixed Boundary Principle."

India-Nepal Border and Boundary Pillars:

India and Nepal share an open border spanning approximately 1,880 kilometers, connecting with 27 districts of Nepal. Available data indicates the presence of 8,554 boundary pillars along the border; of these, approximately 1,325 are reported missing and 1,956 damaged. The reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of these pillars are key tasks for the technical border mechanisms of both nations.

Institutional Mechanism for Border Management:

India and Nepal collaborate to resolve technical border issues through mechanisms such as the Boundary Working Group (BWG), the Survey Officials’ Committee (SOC), and Joint Field Survey Teams (JFST/FST). The BWG was established in 2014. Activities under these mechanisms include the construction and maintenance of boundary pillars, management of "no-man's land," GPS-based mapping, and data collection regarding cross-border occupation. Border disputes concerning sensitive areas like Kalapani and Susta have been kept outside the purview of this technical mechanism.

Significance for UPSC:

This topic is relevant to GS Paper-2, covering India's relations with its neighbors, border management, regional cooperation, and geospatial technology. In an answer, it can serve as an example of how technologies like UAVs, GPS, GIS, and high-resolution imagery can make border management more scientific and evidence-based. Furthermore, while the open border between India and Nepal fosters socio-economic ties between the people, it also presents challenges related to illegal activities, the maintenance of boundary pillars, and land use. Thus, this initiative can be viewed as a combined model of technical cooperation, diplomatic dialogue, and effective border management.