Centre mulling rubber plantations along border-Jairam Ramesh

Kochi, May 31 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh today said the Centre was planning to plant rubber saplings, ''Social Fencing'', along the Indo-Bangladesh border, particularly on the side of Tripura state.

Briefing reporters here, Mr Ramesh said the Rubber Board in association with Tripura government and the Border Security Force (BSF) had undertook a study and identified the potential stretch of 850-km long border, which Tripura shares with Bangladesh.

He said the project ''Social Fencing'' would cost around Rs 150 crore and presently, the Rubber Board had identified 7,500 hectare of land for the purpose.

''The project will also provide a legitimate source of income for the residents along the border who otherwise indulge in unlawful activities,'' he said.

The Minister said the study report had been forwarded by his Ministry to the Prime Minister and Home Minister.

UNI