TTU: The central government has announced the launch of the Vibrant Village Programme as a big boost to rural tourism. The project aims to revamp 17 villages located along India’s border with China into fully-developed tourism sites. The government has selected these villages as part of a larger initiative that will revamp 663 villages in the first phase, with a primary focus on improving tourist facilities and better connectivity.
In accordance with this programme, 17 villages in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh have been chosen. The Union Tourism Ministry has decided to focus on developing the first 17 villages selected for the pilot project on adventure tourism and homestays. This will include the construction or restructuring of 120 homestays in the villages of Uttarakhand, which will later be extended to other villages as well.
The regions of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh will be developed to accommodate adventure sports activities like ice skating, river rafting, skiing, and more, while trekking routes will also be constructed through the regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The government intends to provide access to clean drinking water, all-weather roads, a mobile network, electricity, and internet connectivity in addition to creating tourism destinations.
Chushul and Korzok in Ladakh, Gipu, Lalung, and Charang Khas in Himachal Pradesh, Niti, Mana, Malari, and Gunji in Uttarakhand, Lachen, Gnathang, and Lachung in Sikkim, and Zemithang, Tuting, Taksing, Chayangtajo, and Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh are the villages that have been chosen for this project.
The Vibrant Village Programme is an ambitious project aimed at boosting the tourism industry in rural India, which has remained relatively untouched due to poor infrastructure and lack of connectivity. The development of these villages will not only provide employment opportunities for the locals but also give tourists a glimpse into the rural life and culture of these regions.
The pilot project will be initiated in the selected 17 villages, and based on its success, the program will be extended to other regions as well. In conclusion, the Vibrant Village Programme is a constructive step towards better infrastructure and connectivity in rural areas, which in turn, will aid in the development of the economy.
