Sangeeta Das
Bharat is poised to become China’s equivalent
in border infrastructure development within the next two years, stated Eastern
Army Commander Lt General Rana Pratap Kalita exuding confidence irrespective of
the fact that the neighbouring country is currently in advanced stage.
General Kalita’s optimism stems from the
noticeable progress Bharat has made lately, reducing the infrastructural gap
with its giant neighbour.
Highlighting that the People’s
Liberation Army or PLA of China has an added advantage in certain specific arenas,
General Kalita drew a plan focussing on the priority areas for Bharat’s border
infrastructure development.
It includes bolstering road connectivity
up to the border posts, upgrading data communication and mobile connectivity, building
helipads, airports in interior regions and making air transport facilities like
advanced landing grounds or ALGs
Working on this plan is significant due
to the challenging terrain, which is prone to natural disasters like landslides,
snowslides and avalanches.
General Kalita, who is scheduled to retire
by the end of this December, called for arranging proper accommodations for
personnel operating in these areas.
Tasks were already taken to build alternative
road networks in strategic areas, including Northeastern States of Sikkim and
Arunachal Pradesh, taking cue from the recent flash floods in the Teesta River
on October 4.
During that time of natural disaster,
Teesta floods had washed away portions of the National Highway 10 at Singtam,
leaving north Sikkim separated – an area of top priority due to its closeness to
China, Nepal and Bhutan.
Other than military purposes, the
infrastructure development aims to enhance the lives of the locals by
generating opportunities for economic growth through high tourism activities.
In view of Lt General Rana Pratap Kalita’s
high ambition and prediction, it will be interesting to keep an eye on Bharat’s
strategic development in the next couple of years.
