Pithoragarh: Traders operating along the India-China border through Lipulekh have sought a shift in the trading schedule from September to November and demanded quarantine facilities at Gunji village.At a meeting on Thursday, members of the trade association submitted a memorandum to the district administration, also seeking that trade be conducted via road.General secretary of Bharat Byapar Samiti, Daulat Singh Raypa, said, “The Chinese side has constructed a new mandi in Taklakot, the administration must ensure shops and godowns are made available to Indian traders at concessional rates.” He added that traders had left goods in old godowns before Covid-19 and sought a waiver of rent for that period.Raypa said animals brought from Tibet require quarantine facilities at Gunji to facilitate transportation. Traders also demanded camping facilities at Nabi, around 8km from Lipulekh Pass.Jeewan Singh Raunkali, president of the samiti, said, “Roads in the area are frequently affected by snow and landslides that need better clearance arrangements.” He also urged the administration to provide a list of permitted items to the customs department for smoother operations.
District magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhatgai said concerned departments have been directed to complete necessary work within a stipulated timeline.The trading season currently runs from June 1 to Sept 30 and may be extended till Oct 31 depending on weather conditions.
