AGARTALA, May 14 (TIWN): Of the total 12.95 km unfenced Indo-Bangla border in Sonamura subdivision, only some patches measuring 1.6 km borderline could be fenced with the implementing agency- NBCC seeking revision of tender value for erection of barbed wire fencing.

The NBCC cited the cost of erection of barbed wire fencing was fixed around ten years back and the cost has almost doubled during the period. Keeping all factors in mind, it is not financially viable to undertake fresh work at the old cost and construction agencies have been demanding immediate revision of the tender for fencing work.

After getting the ‘feedback’ the subdivisional authority has forwarded a NBCC proposal before the government for taking up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

When contacted, SDM Subhasish Das while confirming the NBCC demand said the NBCC has been pressing for revision of tender value keeping upward trend the construction materials.

“I have sent the NBCC demand before the government for taking up the issue with the Centre and now the MHA will take decision on it”, he said over telephone from Sonamura today.

However, the SDM said the administration is on the way process to erect barbed wire fencing in some vulnerable patches of the border measuring 1.6 km borderline.

Though it he did not specify where the fencing will come up, sources indicates the troublesome border areas including NC Nagar and Durgapur- both areas witnessed untoward incident recently.

The BSF authority also wants the international border in Sonamura subdivision where smuggling an easy means of livelihood due to the porous border. And a section of villagers have been creating stumbling block to the erection of barbed wire fencing.

Here it may be noted the joint team headed by the District Magistrate Milind K Ramteke visited the unfenced border belts in the subdivision to take stock of the situation. During the inspection, the team interacted with villagers on their demand for rehabilitation. Villagers in general don’t any objection of having the border fencing for safety but they want proper rehabilitation by the government.