B’desh natural disasters delay border haats

SHILLONG: The construction of four haats along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya is delayed as a joint inspection of officials from both the countries is still pending.
An official in the State Government told The Shillong Times on Thursday that Bangladesh has not been able to fix the date for the joint inspection because of various reasons.
“We have received a letter from Bangladesh where it has expressed its inability to conduct the joint inspection due to floods, landslides and other natural calamities there,” the official said. India and Bangladesh have agreed to set up four haats, or traditional markets, in Meghalaya to help people in remote areas across the borders sell their produce.
Of the approved haats, two would be in East Khasi Hills’ Bholaganj and Ryngku, one at Nolikata in South West Khasi Hills and the fourth at Sibari in South Garo Hills.
According to officials, the Centre has also released necessary funds for the four projects.
The State has two border haats at Kalaichar in South West Garo Hills and Balat in East Khasi Hills.
The Centre has also executed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of the Republic of Union of Myanmar on establishing border haats.