(a) whether the Government is aware of alleged encroachment of land by Nepal in West Champaran district in Bihar;
(b) if so, whether the matter has been taken up with Nepal;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of Nepal thereto;
(d) whether the Government is also aware of the border dispute resulting in violent clashes at Susta because of changing course of the river which was decided as the boundary; and
(e) if so, the remedial measures taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a)to(e) There are differences of perception between Government of India and His Majesty`s Government of Nepal on the alignment of boundary in Susta region along West Champaran (India) - Nawalparasi (Nepal) sector of India-Nepal border which has arisen due to natural change in the course of river Gandak over a period of time.
A Joint Technical Committee (JTC) of India and Nepal has been set up to co-ordinate the work relating to inspection/restoration of missing/damaged pillars and resolving anomalies which have developed due to missing pillars, shifting of rivers etc. The issue of alignment of boundary in the Susta region is also being considered by the JTC.
Government is aware of some recent reports of tension in the Susta area in connection with identification of the boundary. Appropriate measures, including through effective patrolling by the Sashastra Seema Bal, are being taken to ensure peace and security in the area.