Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Dantak
Mains level: NA
The Prime Minister has praised the initiative by Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak to commemorate 64th Raising Day.
What is Project Dantak?
| Description | |
| Establishment | Established on April 24, 1961, as per the agreement between the third king of Bhutan and then Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru. |
| Objective | Identify the most important aspects of connectivity and spur the socio-economic development and growth of Bhutan. |
| Responsibility | Construct and maintain roads suitable for motorised transportation in Bhutan. |
| Legal Provision | Established under the provision of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949. |
Works and Involvement
| Description | |
| Infrastructure Development | Constructing infrastructure in adjoining Indian districts, including Sherbathang–Nathu La road, Gangtok–Sherbathang road, and Sevoke–Gangtok road. |
| Establishment of Facilities | Establishing medical and education facilities in outlying areas, which were the first in those regions. |
| Takthi Canteen | Takthi Canteen, commonly known as the DANTAK canteen, is a major stop for travelers midway between Phuentsholing and Thimphu. |
| Recruitment of Workers | Recruiting local workers from Bhutan and Indian workers from adjoining districts like Jaigaon, Alipurduar, and other parts of Eastern and North-Eastern India under a basic monthly wage. |
| Supervision of Work | Posting officials from India for the supervision of work. |
Controversies and Incidents
- The Bhutanese Government accused DANTAK of installing Indian tricolour-themed raised pavement markers or reflectors on the highway railings. DANTAK confirmed their presence, and those reflectors were immediately replaced.
- A 204 meters long bridge in Haa along the Damchu-Haa road collapsed in February 2021, leaving 3 workers dead and 6 missing. The bridge was handed over to Project DANTAK by the contractor.
- The project has faced criticisms for its approach to hiring practices and labor management.
Major projects undertaken
- Paro Airport: Built in 1968 as an airstrip for on-call helicopter services for the Indian Armed Forces. Now used as an international airport.
- Yonphula Airfield: Domestic Airport in Bhutan
- Thimphu – Trashigang Highway: Major Highway in Bhutan
- Damchu-Chukha Road: Major Road in Bhutan
- India House Estate: The Indian Embassy in Bhutan.
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