Bridging Borders: Libraries as Catalysts for Community Engagement and Connectivity in Northeast India,

Abstract

India has a 15,106.7 km (kilometre) long land border and a coastline of 7516.6 km, including the island territories. The North-Eastern Region (NER) of India, comprising of eight states — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim alone share an international border of 5,182 kms (about 99 per cent of its total geographical boundary) with several neighbouring countries. They are: 1,395 kms with Tibet Autonomous Region, China in the north, 1,640 kms with Myanmar in the east, 1,596 kms with Bangladesh in the south-west, 97 kms with Nepal in the west, and 455 kms with Bhutan in the north-west. This makes the NER a key strategic location for the Indian subcontinent.

About 70% of North-East is the hilly region, and the topography varies within each state. Mountains and hills cover most of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and about half of Tripura, 20% of Assam, 90% of Manipur and almost entire Sikkim. The plains of the region are mainly made up of separate landmasses -the Brahmaputra Valley and the Barak Valley in Assam and the Tripura plains in the South. In Manipur, the valley is small, comprising only about 10% of the total area of the State. The topography of the hills is generally rugged and vast areas are inaccessible. The flora and fauna of this region is numerous and varied. North-East is regarded as one of the 7 most bio-diverse endangered species of fauna like the one-horned-Asiatic rhino, white winged-wood duck, and Golden Langur can be spotted in the reserved forests and National Parks of NER. The North-East States possesses more than 550 varieties of orchids, which is said to be almost 70% of the total orchid species identified so far.

In the context of rural border areas, especially in regions; like Northeast India, regional connectivity plays a crucial role in fostering socio-economic development and enhancing the quality of life. These regions often face geographic is olation, underdeveloped infrastructure,

and limited access to essential services, which can hinder progress. low ever, regional connectivity, when paired with community engagement, can act as a powerful driver for growth. Community participation ensures that local populations are involved in the decision-making process, contributing to solutions that are both culturally sensitive and practical for their specific needs. By incorporating the voices of the community, development becomes more inclusive and sustainable, addressing the challenges unique to these border areas.

At a workshop on Unlocking Economic Opportunities in Northeast India held in Assam in January 2023, there was a broad consensus on the need to implement the Motor Vehicles Agreement between Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. The agreement, signed in 2015 but not yet implemented, seeks to facilitate unrestricted cross-border movement of cargo, passenger, and personal vehicles between these countries. For the Northeast, if the trucks were allowed to transit via Bangladesh, it would reduce distance by 65% and transport cost by 68%. The 1,600 km journey from Agartala to Kolkata will be cut short to 450 kms via road through Bangladesh, and a mere 200 kms for direct access to the Chattogram port in Bangladesh.