The new normal is taking a toll on the people living along the southern borders. More than a month after the country reopened its international borders, residents and business community alike are still coming to terms with it. The business community in Gelephu is losing its customers to the bordering town of Datgari despite the alleged long process imposed on the people while crossing the border.
The Indian town of Datgari across Gelephu comes alive every Thursday. Officials have to deal with a long queue of vehicles moving out from Gelephu every Thursday. While most are residents going shopping in Datgari, there are also some who are travelling to other districts.
It is not only cars. There are also an overwhelming number of people crossing the border on foot. The waiting time gets longer for the people in queue when someone up in the line fails to abide by the new rules.
The new rule for entering/exiting the border gate requires registration online on the check post management system (CPMS). Those in the cars including the driver have to also produce their identity cards to officials on duty.
“Even after registering through online CMPS, we have to produce our Identity Cards. It is very inconvenient. If the government could look into this matter, it would benefit the public,” said Leki, in Gelephu.
“The waiting time would be shorter if they deploy more than two to three teams of officials here. With only one team verifying the documents today, the process is dragging on,” said Kharka Badhur Chhetri.
However, looking at Gelephu town, the long waiting time or the new rules are not discouraging the residents to cross the border. Come Thursday, and the town is almost deserted.
“Not many residents visit the shops here with the opening of Datgari market. In fact, we offer the same price as in Datgari. But people still feel things are cheaper in the Dargari market,” said Mani Kumar Gurung, a Shopkeeper in Gelephu.
“Our Bhutanese people feel that we are charging a high price for our goods. They believe the price for goods is cheaper in Datgari and they don’t buy from here. They like visiting Datgari,” said Tashi Choden, also a shopkeeper in Gelephu.
“We don’t go down there frequently but sometime on Thursday, we go for experiencing some new things and for fun. Some small things are cheap down there only,” said Choni, in Gelephu.
While it is expected to take some time for the people to get used to the new rules, there is already a consensus among the people BBS met that the reopening of the country’s border is benefiting them.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
