The 100-acre area demarcated as buffer zone along the Gelegphu border has hampered development activities, say Gelegphu MP, Gopal Gurung. He was speaking at the National Assembly, today. He asked if the size of the area could be reduced.
The Works and Human Settlement Minister, Dorji Choden, said there is no written agreement on how area should be maintained as buffer zone between two countries. Lyonpo Dorji Choden said same is the case with the other border dzongkhags like Samtse.
She said the Ministry and the other relevant stakeholders have discussed the issue. The recommendations on the issue will be put up in the cabinet in due course of time.
The Home Minister, Damchoe Dorji added that the land was kept aside as a buffer zone due to security reasons. “Buffer zone is playing a vital role in terms of addressing issues like smuggling and other illegal issues.”