Nepal-India Border Meeting Extends Jhulaghat Crossing Hours by One Hour

Baitadi: In a significant development, the Nepal-India border coordination meeting convened in Pithoragarh has reached a consensus to extend the operating hours of the Jhulaghat border crossing between the two nations until 7 pm.\

Bhimkant Sharma, the Chief District Officer of Baitadi, confirmed that the meeting concluded with the decision to prolong the operational duration of the crossing, which was previously open from 6 am to 6 pm, to now accommodate travelers until 7 pm. Discussions during the meeting also centered on enhancing vigilance along the border, particularly in light of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in India.

Moreover, the meeting addressed various pertinent issues, including measures to curb criminal activities in border regions, combatting human and wildlife trafficking, and tackling drug smuggling. Additionally, deliberations encompassed facilitating Indian pensioners residing in Nepal, as well as initiatives to preserve the cleanliness of the Mahakali river traversing the border area, alongside other bilateral border concerns.

Attended by esteemed dignitaries and security officials, the meeting saw the participation of Chief District Officer Bhimkant Sharma and Chief District Officer Kiran Joshi from Nepal's Baitadi and Darchula districts, respectively. On the Indian side, officials such as Pithoragarh District Officer Reena Joshi and Champawat District Officer Navneet Pandey, alongside other security agency heads, contributed to the constructive dialogue aimed at fostering mutual cooperation and border management.