SHILLONG: The construction of four new border haats designated along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya has been delayed pending a joint inspection of officials from both the countries.
An official from the State Government on Thursday informed The Shillong Times that Bangladesh had not been able to fix the date for the joint inspection since there were lots of problems in their country .
“We have received a letter from Bangladesh where they have expressed inability to conduct the joint inspection due to floods, landslides and other natural calamities there,” the official said.
Of the approved haats, two would be in East Khasi Hills- Bholaganj and Ryngku while one border haat would be constructed in Nolikata South West Khasi Hills and the fourth one would be constructed in Sibari in South Garo Hills.
According to the officials the Union Government has released the necessary funds required for the four projects.
India and Bangladesh have approved setting up of four border haats along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya aimed at promoting the wellbeing of the people living in remote areas across the borders of two countries, by establishing traditional system of marketing the local produce through local markets.
Two border haats are in operation in the state at Kalaichar in South West Garo Hills district and Balat in East Khasi Hills district.
It may be mentioned that the Government of India has also executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Myanmar on establishment of border haats.
