Centre Cancels Fund Allocation For Mizoram Border Road Project Due To Non-Compliance

AIZAWL: The central government has retracted Rs. 66.08 crore that was allocated for the construction of a much-needed Sangau-Saisihchhuah road, meant to join Mizoram's Lawngtlai district with Myanmar's Chin State.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said that the decision was taken in view of the failure of the Mizoram government to provide land free of cost before June 2024. "The funds were retracted due to non-compliance with the stipulated requirements," Majumdar explained, responding to a query by Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) sanctioned the project in February 2021 under the programme of improving connectivity and cross-border trade. In view of withdrawal of Dedicated Funding, the Sangau-Saisihchhuah Road scheme has been amalgamated with Thingsai to Pangkhua-Sangau Road scheme to be supported under the scheme of General Staff of BRO.

The reallocation of funds has raised fears that it may delay the development of crucial infrastructure connecting South Mizoram and Myanmar. However, integration into a larger project can keep the plan on course, albeit with extended timelines.

No statement has been issued from the Mizoram government regarding the dispute. The delay in acquiring land has brought to light administrative issues that might cause such important development projects to be delayed.

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