Unchecked Indian Produce Floods Birgunj Markets via Open Border

Parsa. Fresh vegetables are being smuggled into Birgunj from the bordering Indian town of Raxaul without undergoing mandatory quarantine checks. Taking advantage of the open border connecting Parsa and Bara districts, individuals are daily transporting fresh produce into the city using bicycles. These 'carriers' regularly bring vegetables and fruits across the border.

Exploiting porous border points such as Bishrampur Rural Municipality in Bara, and Nagwa and Inarwa in Birgunj Metropolitan City, these cyclists continue to bypass regulations. Ajit Bhujel, a central member of the Consumer Rights Protection Forum, warned that vegetables and fruits entering without quarantine checks pose a significant risk to public health and must be strictly controlled.

"Various groups are taking advantage of the open border to bring in large quantities of vegetables daily via bicycles through locations like Chhapkaiya, Inarwa, and Bishrampur," he stated. "It is imperative that the local administration and the Armed Police Force pay closer attention to this issue."

Cyclists have been observed bringing Indian produce into Birgunj from early morning without any quarantine verification. Local authorities and the Armed Police Force stationed at the border have yet to initiate effective enforcement actions. Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal emphasized that only vegetables and fruits that have completed customs procedures and passed quarantine checks are permitted to enter. "Bringing in fresh vegetables and fruits without quarantine checks is prohibited," he said. "If anyone is found doing so, we will conduct necessary monitoring and take control of the goods."

Superintendent of Police Mohan Bahadur Chhetri, head of the Armed Police Force Nepal Number 13 Battalion, noted that rather than the Parsa border, much of the unchecked produce is entering Birgunj markets through the border area connected to Bishrampur Rural Municipality in Bara.