3.1.9 International Boundary Buffer Zone

The concept of a buffer zone, though not strongly evident on the ground, was conceptualized as an essential element of the 1986 Urban Development Plan for Gelephu. The 1986 Urban Development Plan for Gelephu proposed an average of 500 meters of ‘No Development Zone’ from the Indo-Bhutan international boundary. According to this the municipal limit of Gelephu followed the natural drainage running adjacent to the vegetable market as its farthest extent towards the international boundary. But due to the absence of any development control mechanism for the areas between the municipal and international boundary, and because of the good accessibility provided by the existing highway, all the privately owned plots adjoining the highway developed at a rapid pace. This has resulted in a high concentration of population in these areas.

At present one can find a dense strip of development to the east of the Gelephu-Trongsa highway, which possesses a great challenge in the future. Public and security establishments, like the PWD workshop, Bhutan Power Corporation transmission substation, service establishments like Druk Petroleum, auto service centers, workshops and the border security camp constitutes a major area of this buffer zone, adjacent to the municipal limits.

3.1.10 Indo–Bhutan Border Gate  

The Indo-Bhutan border gate is flanked by a traditional gate-way resembling the gateway of Phuentsholing. Though, presently the gate is not open for free vehicular and pedestrian movement, as in the case of Phuentsholing it still holds importance as an entrance gateway to central Bhutan. The road connecting from Gelephu to the nearest highway (NH 31C) on the Indian side, passing through Deosiri, Santhipur, Thenali, Runikhata, Gurubasha and Srirampur is under construction by the Border Roads Organization, India(DANTAK).

As per the information provided by the Regional Revenue and Customs office, an average of 20 trucks originating from Bhutan travel across the border daily for transporting goods to and from the country.

Apart from vehicular traffic there is a high volume of pedestrian traffic (at an average of 2000-2500 people/day) across the gate every day, the majorly being Indians who depend on Gelephu and its surroundings for their livelihood. The following table briefly lists the major goods exported and imported across the border daily.

Table 3.3 : Export and Import Details through Gelephu

Note : Cash Crops transaction occur during respective seasons

Source: Regional Revenue and Customs Office, Gelephu