India-China Border: Infrastructure Developments and Their Implications
Recent years have seen significant infrastructure development taking place along the India-China border. This activity follows the violent clash between Indian and Chinese forces three years ago in Galwan. Both nations are pushing forward with construction projects even as they engage in diplomatic discussions to resolve their regional disputes.
Infrastructure Developments Around the Border Region
The border region has seen a flurry of construction activity from both India and China.
China’s Infrastructure Efforts:
– A bridge is being built across the Pangong Tso, connecting the north and south banks.
– Extensive construction, including road connectivity towards Shandong village, is observed on the Chinese side.
– A 22 km-long tunnel is being constructed along the G-0177 expressway, connecting to the vital G-216 highway in Tibet.
India’s Infrastructure Projects:
– India is building a black-topped road on the north bank of Pangong Tso, leading to Finger 4.
– The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is closing in on the completion of key infrastructure projects such as the Sela, Nechipu, and Sela-Chhabrela tunnels, enhancing year-round connectivity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
– Work on an alternative route to the crucial Darbuk-Skyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road is progressing through the Saser La.
– The India-China Border Roads (ICBR) initiative was launched to improve mobility for the Indian forces and increase connectivity in border areas. It has three phases: ICBR-I (73 roads), ICBR-II (104 roads), and ICBR-III (37 roads), with nearly 70% of these roads under ICBR-III planned in Arunachal Pradesh.
– The capital budget of BRO, responsible for most of the ICBR work, has increased by 43% to Rs 5,000 crore in 2023-24.
– The Vibrant Villages Programme was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, aiming to provide comprehensive development of villages on the border with China and enhance the quality of life of people living in these border villages.
Implication of These Infrastructure Developmental Projects
These infrastructure developments have both beneficial and contentious implications.
Positive Implications:
– Enhanced border infrastructure strengthens India’s defense capabilities and improves its ability to patrol and secure the border.
– Improved connectivity benefits local communities, boosts regional development, and generates economic opportunities.
Negative Implications:
– The developments may contribute to ongoing border disputes and increase tensions.
– Fears arise within both India and China about enhanced connectivity and defense capabilities in the region of the other country.
Characteristics of Pangong Tso Lake
Pangong Tso, a 135-km long landlocked lake located at an altitude above 14,000 feet, is one of the world’s highest altitude saline lakes. The lake, a result of glacial melt, showcases unique features such as changing colors from shades of blue to green to red. The lake’s finger-like mountain spurs are referred to as “fingers”.
Fingers of Pangong Tso
The fingers of Pangong Tso are mountain spurs that protrude into the water. These are numbered from 1 to 8, with Finger 1 being the closest to the eastern end of the lake and Finger 8 the farthest.
India and China’s Share of Pangong Tso Lake
India and China control approximately one-third and two-thirds of Pangong Tso Lake, respectively. India has about 45 km of Pangong Tso under its control. The eastern end of Pangong Tso lies in Tibet.
Border Dispute at Pangong Tso
India claims control over the lake up to Finger 4 but believes its territory extends up to Finger 8. The north bank, where the fingers are located, has been the center of clashes and tensions between India and China. Indian troops are stationed near Finger 3, while the Chinese have a base east of Finger 8, claiming territory up to Finger 2.
