Panel visits Nathu-la to gauge needs

Nathu-la is going to be a very important route of international business between India and China. Realizing its importance the High Powered Steering Committee on Nathu-la visited the border area yesterday to make a spot assessment of the infrastructural requisitesThe steering committee, formed in July 2003, includes Mr. Alok Srivastava, the commerce and industries secretary; Members of home, land revenues forest and other government departments. Police and Army officers were also part of the committee. The primarily intention of the committee was to open a new way of border trade. To make this possible the secretary of the State Government Mr S.W. Tenzing was given the post of Chairman of the committee. The committee organised its first meeting during the last week.

On July 13, in the meeting of Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh and the Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr. Pawan Kumar Chamling, the matter of re-opening of the inter-border trade was decided to be postponed till 2005. The newly formed Congress-led UPA Government will study the matter in depth and take a decision in collaboration with the commerce ministry.

Mr. Srivastava explained that the decision of commencement of trade through Nathu-la is depending upon the report to be prepared by the concerned committee. He also added that the report will be prepared after taking into consideration the attitude of the Central Government in this regard.
The infrastructural requirements like immigration counters, visa, alternate routes, warehousing facilities, check posts and issues concerned with border securities are still to be considered.

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