• India’s tremendous tourism potential in its border States remains largely untapped due to the remoteness of locations and the difficulty of access.
• Apart from the infrastructure deficit, even adventure sports, mountaineering and related commercial activities are subject to cumbersome security procedures and permits, often by multiple agencies.

Vibrant Villages Programme

• It will provide funds for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks 4 states and 1 UT along the northern land border of the country.
• Allocation: Rs. 4800 Crore, out of which 2500 crore will be used for roads.
• It will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the population in the border areas.
• In the first phase 663 Villages will be taken up in the programme.
• It aids to identify and develop the economic drivers based on local natural human and other resources of the border villages on northern border and development of growth centres on “Hub and Spoke Model”.
• Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of Gram Panchayats.
• 100 % saturation of Central and state schemes will be ensured.
• Key outcomes:
• Connectivity with all-weather road
• Drinking water
• 24x7 electricity – Solar and wind energy to be given focused attention
• Mobile and internet connectivity
• Tourist centers
• Multi-purpose centers
• Health and wellness Centers.

Potential tourist destinations in Indian border states

Ladakh

• Karakoram Pass: Regular motorcycle expeditions should be organised for civilians in cooperation with India’s major motorcycle manufacturers.
• Areas such as the Saser Kangri massif could be explored for mountaineering expeditions by small experienced teams in tandem with the armed forces and the Indian Mountaineering Federation.
• Pangong Lake: The area around Pangong Lake and Chushul is a delight for photographers and birdwatchers.
• Changthang wildlife sanctuary: There are wetlands and a thriving population of the Kiang, a wild ass.
• Lhari Peak: It is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
• Demchok area: It is home to several hot springs that are popular for naturopathy cures.
• The nearby villages of Tsaga, Koyul and Hanle can also be further developed.
• Tso Moriri Lake area: It can be promoted in the, with a particular focus on home stays.

Uttarakhand

• Mana Pass: It is one of the highest vehicle-accessible passes in the world.
• Mana village: It is steeped in mythology as the gateway to heaven.
• It is close to Hemkund and the Valley of Flowers.
• The Badrinath shrine is located nearby.
• Deo Tal lake: It can be developed for sailing, and the nearby slopes offer a good site for skiing.
• Peaks such as Mount Kamet and nearby peaks in the Nilang-Jadang valley are prime destinations for mountaineering expeditions.
• Other places:
• There is also scope to develop tourism around the Parvati Kund at Rimkhim in the Barahoti bowl.

Sikkim

• Doka La: It is ripe for tourism.
• Pedong, Nathang Valley, Zuluk, Kupup, Baba Harbhajan Mandir and the Yak Gold Course, the highest golf course in the world, are nearby.
• Trekking expeditions up to Batang La, could be a start.

Arunachal Pradesh

• Bum La Pass: It is already a well-established tourism hub.
• There is scope to bring in more tourists all the way up to Zero Point, the site of border personnel meetings with China.
• Subedar (Baba) Joginder Singh memorial: He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for outstanding bravery in the battle near Tongpen La during the India-China war in 1962.
• Nearby, the Pangateng and Sangetsar lakes are picturesque.
• Expeditions on the lines of NIMAS’s Winter Bailey Trekking Expedition could attract international tourists to Tawang and the interiors of the State.
• Taksing: It is surrounded by beautiful river valleys, virgin rainforest and scenic camping sites.
• It also holds religious significance for Buddhists along the ancient Tsari pilgrimage route.
• River rafting beyond Siyum is also a possibility.
• Walong: The area in Anjaw district is the site of the Battle of Walong.
• Walong, Dong, Kibithu and Kaho could showcase India’s military history and tourism.

Recommendations

• Military Deployment: It still remains the mainstay of livelihood for local residents in many remote places.
• This should change in favour of commercial activity, including tourism.
• Infrastructure: The priority should be to build all-weather roads, rest houses, rest rooms, fuel pumps, health clinics, electricity (preferably solar and wind energy), telecom towers, and medical facilities in suitable areas.

The vast tourism potential of India’s border areas needs to be tapped; it is equally important to ensure that tourism projects are implemented after conducting feasibility studies. Unbridled construction in violation of norms leads to subsidence in the Himalayan belt. Infrastructure which is built in a sustainable manner and benefits the local economy should be encouraged.