Govt monitoring Chinese infrastructure devp prog across border

"The government is aware that China is developing infrastructure in border regions opposite India. This includes development of rail, road and airport facilities. Government is closely watching all such developments," Defence Minister A K Antony told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

On status of road construction projects along the borders, he said, "Of the 73 roads identified as strategic border roads, 61 have been entrusted to Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Sixteen roads have been completed, 26 are scheduled for completion by 2013 and remaining 19 by 2016."

On reasons causing delays in these projects, the minister said, "Delay in forest/wildlife clearance, restricted working period and adverse ground conditions are the major factors that affected pace of work."

Replying to a question, he said, "Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to contain cross-border infiltration including round-the-clock surveillance and patrolling and establishment of observation posts, construction of border fencing and floodlighting."

Modern surveillance equipments, intelligence gathering and enhanced coordination with state governments have also been initiated to check infiltration, he said.