Mahottari, March 30: Saroj Sah of Jaleshwor Municipality-1 was encouraged upon hearing the news four years back that a dry port would be constructed at the major customs office in the district.
However, his enthusiasm fizzled out as the project is yet to begin. The facility along with an integrated customs office was planned to be established at Maliwada in Jaleshwor-3.
It is intended to facilitate transnational trade with northern and southern neighbors, as well as with third countries. The announcement to establish the facility was included in the government’s policies and programs for the fiscal year 2079–80 BS with a target of completion within four years.
However, the lack of progress in implementation has disappointed the local business community, said Shiva Chandra Chaudhary, President of the Jaleshwor Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to him, on the Indian side, the Government of India has already completed land acquisition at Bhiththamod in Sitamarhi district of Bihar. It constructed boundary walls and some other physical infrastructures. In contrast, on the Nepal side, progress has been limited to a survey so far.
The infrastructure is a matter of common concern for all stakeholders here. Efforts are underway to acquire 65 bighas of land (one bigha equals 27,000 sq ft).
The Jaleshwor customs office serves as a major trading point for both Mahottari and Dhanusha districts. The business community has demanded that trade with third countries be facilitated through this point. They emphasize the urgent need for the construction of the dry port, noting that New Delhi and Kolkata, the major trade hubs in India, are also closer from this location. #nepal #business
