Oplus_131072
Kailashahar,Anupam Pal: The hopes and aspirations of Kailashahar residents surrounding the Manuland Customs at the India-Bangladesh border now seem to be fading into despair. Though the customs station, established in 1994, became a significant hub for international trade, the future of the Integrated Development Complex project appears bleak.
In 2017, the then Minister of Industries, Tapan Chakraborty, laid the foundation stone for the project near the northern bank of the RKI School pond. The previous Left Front government had secured central approval for a ₹12-crore proposal to construct the complex. However, the construction came to a halt after the government changed in 2018.
According to local residents, the current BJP-led coalition government seems to be considering relocating the project elsewhere. Reports suggest various possible locations, such as demolishing the current hostel of RKI School or building it near the Kailashahar Press Club. A team of officials even visited the Iron Bridge area of Murticharra Tea Garden in Chandipur constituency to inspect land for the project. However, no concrete developments have occurred, leaving the 2017 site abandoned with construction materials rotting under open skies and the location covered in overgrowth.
This morning, a dredger and a tipper truck were caught transporting construction materials, particularly stones, from the project site. Upon inquiry, the drivers could not provide satisfactory explanations, leading the police to seize both vehicles and initiate an investigation.
A group of local youths protested against this theft and filed a written complaint at Kailashahar Police Station, alleging that influential individuals might be involved. Officer-in-Charge Sukanta Sen Chowdhury confirmed that an investigation has been initiated based on the complaint.
Residents claim that similar incidents of theft have occurred in the past, with the construction company lodging complaints with Kailashahar Police Station. However, those cases remain unresolved.
Traders associated with international commerce emphasized that the Integrated Development Complex would significantly benefit both nations and the local population. They urged both governments to intervene and resume the stalled project promptly.
Identifying the culprits through proper investigation, restarting the stalled project, and protecting government assets now demand immediate attention. Local residents have also called for stricter measures to safeguard the remaining construction materials under official custody.
The incident has left the entire sub-division tense, with concerned citizens demanding swift action against the perpetrators and a revival of the project to fulfill its original vision.
