Export to Bangladesh through Mahadipur land port in Malda district could not be resumed on Tuesday as had been announced by traders because the state government did not provide health screening and safety facilities on the international border.

Trucks, loaded with goods, were ready to cross over the border on Tuesday morning.

The plan was, however, aborted, said one of the exporters.

“This is because according to the directive of the Centre, proper safety measures are to be taken before trucks leave India. But none was present for thermal screening of drivers or to sanitise the vehicles. This arrangement was supposed to be done by the state government,” said Bhupati Mandal, secretary, Mahadipur Clearing & Forwarding Agents’ Association.

Officials of the Customs informed the exporters that as the Disaster Management Act was in force, proper measures had to be taken before allowing the trucks to roll beyond the border.

Later in the afternoon, the Malda district administration convened a meeting on the issue where representatives of exporters, C&F agents, truck drivers and others were present.

“At the meeting, elaborate discussions were made and we feel export would be resumed to Bangladesh through Mahadipur at the earliest. The administration has laid down some conditions and we have given our assent,” said Mandal.

Among these include entry of trucks to a distance of only 200m from the zero point, engagement of a team of 50 drivers for two weeks for taking the vehicles beyond the borders and back and proper sanitisation of the vehicles and the drivers and cleaners by the stakeholders’ associations.

Rajarshi Mitra, district magistrate, said: “We listened to their points and statements. It is not possible for me to comment on the proceedings of the meeting,” he said.