India has put on hold execution of two integrated border development projects worth Rs 29.47 crore along the Indo-Bangladesh international border in Tripura.
The projects were halted after Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has raised objections. This was disclosed by Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb in the Assembly on Friday.
Elaborating on the matter, Deb said that the two Integrated Development Complexes (IDCs) were sanctioned by the Central Government in May 2016 and December 2017, respectively.
The first instalment of funds, too, was released long ago by the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry, he said adding that, due to objections raised by the BGB, the work for the two projects could not be started.
He was replying to queries raised by CPI-M legislator Moboshar Ali.
The chief minister who also holds the Industries and Commerce Department portfolio has assured the House that he would personally take up the issue with the central ministers to expedite the matter.
The chief minister further said that government officials have approached the BGB authorities through the Border Security Force (BSF) to resolve the issue.
According to Deb, the two IDCs would be set up at Manughat in northern Tripura and Muhurighat in southern Tripura to further boost India-Bangladesh trade and economic activities.
Hs further told the House that a multi-facility integrated check-post was set up in the Agartala-Akhaura border at a cost of Rs 73.50 crore, and an IDC was built at Srimantapur border in western Tripura at a cost of Rs 16 crore.