BSF launches Operation Sard Hawa along international border
Source:indianmasterminds ↗

Why It Matters
Important for RPSC RAS aspirants to understand security operations, border management protocols, and regional defense preparedness along the sensitive international border of Rajasthan.
Summary
The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched 'Operation Sard Hawa' along the international border in Rajasthan and Jammu to counter dense fog conditions and thwart potential infiltration attempts around Republic Day. The tactical security exercise involves heightened surveillance and increased deployment in vulnerable border areas.
Key Points
- The Border Security Force (BSF) launched 'Operation Sard Hawa' along the international border in Rajasthan and Jammu.
- The operation is typically initiated during the winter season, specifically around Republic Day, to check dense fog infiltration and prevent unauthorized intrusions.
- It involves heightened vigilance, increased troop deployment, monitoring via advanced surveillance technology, and patrolling in the harsh terrain of the Thar Desert.
Important Terms
Operation Sard Hawa
A tactical surveillance exercise launched annually by the BSF along the Rajasthan-Pakistan international border during winter to thwart infiltration attempts during dense fog and Republic Day.
UPSC context
Important for RPSC and UPSC Paper III (Internal Security, Border Management, and Rajasthan-specific security operations).
Border Security Force (BSF)
India's primary border guarding force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for safeguarding the international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
UPSC context
Relevant for RPSC and UPSC Paper III (Internal Security and Central Armed Police Forces/Border Management).
Prelims Trap
Operation Sard Hawa is conducted by the Indian Army during summer months to counter desert heat infiltration.
Aspirants often confuse Operation Sard Hawa (conducted in winter) with Operation Garam Hawa (conducted in summer) or attribute them to the Indian Army instead of the BSF.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the key specialized operations and mandate of the Border Security Force (BSF) in India?
- Mandate: BSF is India's primary border guarding organization along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders, raising forces specifically for international borders during peace and war.
- Seasonal Operations: Operation Sard Hawa is conducted during winter (Republic Day) to combat dense fog infiltration in Rajasthan/Jammu, while Operation Garam Hawa is run in peak summer.
- Tactics: It utilizes camel patrols, thermal imagers, and electronic sensors across the Thar Desert terrain where conventional fencing faces visibility and shifting sand challenges.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Border Management + Rajasthan Geography
Operation Sard Hawa showcases how topography-specific winter challenges in the Thar Desert demand specialized tactical deployments alongside standard international border management protocols.
Operation Sard Hawa/Garam Hawa BSF operations in Thar are recurring RPSC prelims matches; watch for winter vs summer mix-ups.
Linked PYQs · 1
Linked PYQs · 1
- 2024RPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following is correct regarding Rajasthan Bharatpur – Rajasthan Berger? A. Luni Basin and Southwest Rajasthan Border are part of Rajasthan Berger. B. Ghagghar Plain covers mainly the North Rajasthan. C. Rajasthan Plain does have salty lakes and inland drainage. D. Bhilwara district is a part of all the above things of Rajasthan. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: