Followed by the ongoing dispute on Indo-Nepal border, the Nepal government has begun construction of a helipad at a disputed location on the Indo-Nepal border along West Champaran district of Bihar on Thursday.
According to officials, the proposed helipad is coming up at Narsahi village, a short distance from the Thari border outpost (BOP) of Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB) near Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district, 80 km from the district head quarters Bettiah.
“To the best of our knowledge, construction of the helipad meant for small choppers started a few days back on the disputed area,” said Commandant Rajendra Bhardwaj of 21st Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB) Battalion.
Officials blame the changing course of the Gandak river for the controversy around Narsahi on the Indo Nepal border along West Champaran district. “As agreed upon, the central of Gandak river forms the international boundary between Nepal and India. With the river changing its course in the 1970s, Narsahi shifted to the other side of the river and later the Indian citizens living there moved to this part of the Indian territory,” said Bhardwaj.
Nepal’s Parliament recently approved a new political map, claiming its territorial command over key areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura in Uttarakhand.
India and Nepal have been sharing a friendly relationship ever since India declared national sovereignty in the year of 1950 and share a 1,800 km (1,118 miles) border. During the very same year, the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed by both countries in their best interests.
According to the treaty, the Nepalese and Indians can move freely across the border without passports or visas, and may live and/or work in either country. All of these deals and agreements have created a strong friendly relationship between the two countries. However, due to political issues and border disputes, this relationship has come to an end.
