Not connected by air, rail or water routes, Meghalaya government today said it was keen in reviving traditional river routes with neighbouring Bangladesh for trade and commerce.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told the state assembly that his government was taking up with the Centre for revival of some of the river routes which were connected to Bangladesh.
Replying to a query raised by former chief minister and Opposition United Democratic Party leader Donkupar Roy, Sangma said the government was aware that the Duba Channel in Nongjri Elaka and Dear Valley in Umniuh Elaka were the "authorized trade routes" under the Bholaganj Land Custom Station.
He said trade had to be discontinued through these river routes due to dwindling water levels. But the channels had recently been inspected and the issue of their revival had been taken up with the Centre.
"In recent times there has been engagement with Bangladesh through the Government of India over revival of the traditional river routes," he said.
Earlier, Roy said trading activity through these water channels were stopped since 1971 (the year Bangladesh was formed) and that the people living along these river routes were pressing for their revival.
The chief minister also informed the House that a Water Policy would soon be formulated which among other issues would also take into account revival of the river routes.
