After inflicting irreparable damage to the lives and properties at the very outset of the monsoon season this year, the ‘Himalayan Tsunami’ is now taking its toll on the India-Tibet border trade that has been going on between the two neighbours since ancient times.
The border trade that was supposed to be commenced from Pithoragarh on June 1, has not yet been started following the devastating rainfall resulting in blocking of roads in upper Himalayan region. Registration formalities of as many as 51 traders have been completed. But final approval from the State Government is awaited in this regard, said PS Kutiyal, Assistant Trader Officer, India-Tibet Border Trade, Dharchula, while talking to The Pioneer.
Following delay in granting clearance from the State Government coupled with bad weather conditions, goods which have to be exported to Tibet still lie dumped at Gunji, which is on way to Tibet. Once clearance is granted by the Government, it will be started accordingly from here. But commencement of this trade this year depends on the weather conditions, Kutiyial added.
It is worth mentioned here that Gunji which is the last human settlement in the Indian side, serves as the mandi for the traders of the India-Tibet border trade. Therefore, as the officials concerned informed, goods that have to be exported to Tibet have already been kept at Gunji trade centre.
Also, since there is no motorable road after Tawaghat, the traders have to traverse the entire Himalayan region by foot, transporting the export goods with the help of horses or labourers. The poor condition of trade route which has to be travelled by foot is still one of the major worrying factors for us. The route is badly damaged in many places due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall as reports are coming in. Therefore, it is difficult to say as and when the trade can be started, the official concerned added.
After Tawaghat the important destinations of this trade route include Pangu, Narayan Ashram, Sirkha, Gala, Bundi, Gunji, Nabhidhang, lipupass and Takulakot. The interesting fact about this ancient border trade is that lifestyle may have changed across the border significantly, but many things like jaggery, mishri, tobacco to name a few that used to be exported to Tibet in old times are still popular to other side of the border, while apart from Tibetan wool, silk and readymade garments are being imported from Tibet.