Despite growing tensions with China due to unresolved boundaries and differing perceptions, infrastructure development on the border continues to be delayed.
Of the 73 roads of operational significance along the India-China border, only 30 have been completed so far, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
“Out of these 73 roads, 46 roads are being constructed by the Defence Ministry and 27 by the Home Ministry. Out of the 73, 30 have been completed. The proposal was expected to be completed in the year 2012-13,” Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
The major reasons for the delay, the Minister said, were limited working season combined with logistic issues due to very high altitude and mountainous, rugged and difficult terrain, natural calamities, delay in forest and wildlife clearances, land acquisition and so on.
China ahead
While India struggles to build bare minimum infrastructure, China has created a massive network to transport men and material right up to the border.
In the present standoff at the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, China has been trying to extend its existing road into the disputed piece of territory on the Doklam plateau.
Elaborating on the various measures taken to speed up the construction, Mr. Rijiju said, “A high-level empowered committee, headed by the Union Home Secretary, reviews and monitors the progress of border infrastructure projects regularly.”
Committee set up
In addition, a steering committee has been set up under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Border Management) in the Home Ministry to review and monitor the progress of construction of these roads.
The Defence Ministry has approved long-term roll-on work and equipment plans for construction of border roads and the Directorate- General, Border Roads, has created two dedicated posts of Additional Director-General (Border) to monitor infrastructure works along the border, the Union Minister said.
