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Border Villages are residential settlements located very close to the boundary between two countries, states or regions. They act as the Nation`s first line of defense, providing critical support such as food and shelter to patrolling parties while facilitating cross border surveillance. In the Indian context, border villages are situated near the borders with countries such as China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
India`s first Model Border Village is being developed at Chumur, a remote village located about 16,700 feet above sea level near the India-China border in Ladakh. The Village is a small residential area, with a registered population of just 91 people. The project is being implemented under the Government of India`s Vibrant Villages Programme, aimed at creating āself- reliant, climate-resilient, tourism-enabled and economically vibrant border villagesā in high altitude frontier regions. On 3 June, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena laid the foundation stone for the project at Churmur, a settlement located in eastern Ladakh`s Changthang region. This initiative is a part of the Vibrant Village Programme launched by the Centre in 2023 to improve living conditions located along India`s northern borders.
Developmental Goals under the Vibrant Villages Programme:--
1. Infrastructure and Housing: The model village project aims to provide modern facilities that were previously unavailable in such high altitude regions. A primary focus of the development in Chumur is the construction of climate āresilient housing to withstand the harsh environment conditions of the Himalayas. This is part of the border vision to ensure every border village is equipped with modern infrastructure.
2. Tourism Development: This project seeks to improve local economies by promoting tourism in the previously inaccessible areas.
3. Reversing Depopulation: By improving living conditions in the area, the government is trying to stop migration from these areas.
4. Educational and Health facilities: Key focus is on establishing schools and primary health centres so that people donāt have to travel far off places in search of these essential entities.
5. Support for Pashmina rearing and Handicrafts: Assistance will be given to the people regarding the rearing of Changthangi goats, which produce high quality Pashmina wool. Training and financial support to Herders will be provided.
Hence, it is a very significant step towards development, improved living conditions and stronger border security. It is a big achievement for the people of Chumur Village as now they will be represented at the National level for their previous hardships about the living conditions and the security concerns. By providing modern infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and better connectivity, the project aims to transform remote border areas into self reliant communities.
The writer can be contacted at shrutikadabur1@gmail.com
