The Uttarakhand government is set to launch a major rural transformation initiative under the Central Government’s Vibrant Village Program, focusing on the development of border villages along the India-China and India-Nepal frontiers. A total budget of Rs. 75 crore has been sanctioned to kickstart the first phase, aimed at curbing migration and promoting sustainable tourism in remote regions.
10 Villages to Become Model Tourist Villages
Ten strategically located villages from the districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh, situated along the India-China border, will be developed into model tourist villages. These villages include:
- Uttarkashi: Jadung and Bagori
- Chamoli: Mana and Niti
- Pithoragarh: Gunji, Garbyang, Napalchu, Nabhi, Rakkang, and Kuti
The blueprint focuses on theme-based tourism development, aiming to position these villages as destinations that blend natural beauty with local culture and heritage.
51 Villages Along China Border, 40 Along Nepal Border Identified
Under Vibrant Village Program Phase-1, 51 villages along the China border were selected for infrastructure and livelihood development. In Phase-2, 40 villages along the India-Nepal border were added, including:
- Champawat: 11 villages
- Pithoragarh: 24 villages
- Udham Singh Nagar: 5 villages
Each village is being assessed for its unique strengths, and district-level blueprints are being prepared for tailored development plans. The District Magistrates will soon submit action plans for approval.
Close Monitoring and Dashboard-Based Review
A Joint Commissioner-level officer has been appointed to monitor the progress in coordination with Chief Development Officers (CDOs). Additionally, a real-time dashboard has been set up to track and evaluate ongoing work. Reviews are scheduled every 10 days to ensure timely implementation.
High-Level Oversight and Visionary Planning
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is personally overseeing the implementation of the program, underscoring its importance for the state’s development. Ms. Anuradha Pal (2016-batch IAS officer), Additional Secretary and State Nodal Officer, described the initiative as a “dream project” that will not only enhance local livelihoods but also halt migration by creating tourism-linked economic opportunities.
With a long-term vision of transforming remote border regions into vibrant economic zones, the project is expected to bring a new identity to Uttarakhand’s frontier villages, while preserving their ecological and cultural integrity.
Also Read: ESIC Unveils SPREE 2025 to Boost Social Security Enrollment for Unregistered Workers
