Traders operating along the India-China border through Lipulekh have urged the district administration to shift the trading schedule from September to November. They have also demanded the establishment of quarantine facilities at Gunji village.
Memorandum submitted to administration
During a meeting on Thursday, members of the trade association submitted a memorandum to the Pithoragarh district administration, seeking several changes to facilitate smoother trade. Among the key demands was conducting trade via road instead of the current system.
Key demands from traders
Daulat Singh Raypa, general secretary of the Bharat Byapar Samiti, stated, "The Chinese side has constructed a new mandi in Taklakot. The administration must ensure that shops and godowns are made available to Indian traders at concessional rates." He also highlighted that traders had left goods in old godowns before the Covid-19 pandemic and requested a waiver of rent for that period.
Raypa added that animals brought from Tibet require quarantine facilities at Gunji to facilitate their transportation. Traders also demanded camping facilities at Nabi, located approximately 8 kilometers from Lipulekh Pass.
Infrastructure and operational concerns
Jeewan Singh Raunkali, president of the samiti, pointed out, "Roads in the area are frequently affected by snow and landslides that need better clearance arrangements." He urged the administration to provide a list of permitted items to the customs department for smoother operations.
District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhatgai assured that concerned departments have been directed to complete necessary work within a stipulated timeline.
Current trading schedule
The trading season currently runs from June 1 to September 30, with a possible extension until October 31 depending on weather conditions. The traders' proposal would shift the primary period to later months.
