Border people seek development of tourist spots
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Sept 11: Border residents of Ladakh have demanded development of tourist destinations, internet connectivity and allocation of land for the construction of rest houses to support their livelihood.
The demands were made during a recent visit of Atal Dulloo, the Secretary of Border Management in the Union Home Ministry, to Chushul, Maan, Merak, Urgo, and Tangtse villages in the Pangong area.
Dulloo visited these villages to assess the progress of Vibrant Villages Programme, a centrally sponsored scheme, an official spokesman said on Monday.
The programme, launched on February 15 this year, is aimed at comprehensive development of select villages in 46 blocks in 19 districts in the northern border in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and the UT of Ladakh.
Accompanied by Additional Director General of ITBP Manoj Singh Rawat and senior security and civil administration officials from Ladakh, Dulloo over the weekend engaged in discussions with members of Panchayati Raj Institutions and local residents, the spokesman said.
He said the public highlighted several pressing demands, including the installation of mobile towers to address absence of internet facilities, development of tourist destinations and land allocation for the construction of rest houses to support their livelihood, as there are limited avenues for earning a living in the region.
Additionally, requests for a dedicated block for Chushul, solar-powered housing, hand pumps, and guesthouses were put forth, the spokesman said, adding the locals also emphasized the need for the area to be declared an international border, enabling their children to access employment opportunities in border-related sectors.
Dulloo assured the people that their demands would be taken up with the relevant authorities for resolution, reiterating the Government’s commitment to address the needs and aspirations of the people living in these border areas.
Advisor UT Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal, Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar, Additional Director General, Western Command, ITBP, Administrative Secretaries, and other officers from ITBP, BRO, CPWD and concerned officials of the UT Administration attended the meeting held at DC conference hall.
Officers from ITBP, BRO and CPWD presented detailed reports to Dulloo on the progress achieved, challenges being faced and status of achievable timelines.
Advisor Dr. Kotwal on the occasion, highlighting the importance of connectivity, especially in the border villages of Ladakh, informed the Secretary that tele-connectivity works are in full swing and that all required approvals – use of State land, forest/wildlife clearances – have been granted for the installation of towers to achieve 4G saturation in the border villages of Ladakh.
Dr Kotwal further requested the Secretary for the establishment of banking services at some of the designated villages for the convenience of the people, as well as visiting tourists. He put forth requests to the Secretary to stress upon two projects – Keyla tunnel (Zingral-kela tso – Tangtse road) and the Khardong la tunnel, respectively, stating that the completion of these two tunnels will prove game changers for commuting in Ladakh.
While reviewing the status of the Vibrant Village Program, Dulloo stressed on creating livelihood opportunities, promoting footfalls, ensuring the saturation of individual beneficiary oriented Centrally Sponsored Schemes and schedule activities, with the aim of achieving vibrancy in the border villages.
He directed the UT Administration to prioritise the villages on the basis of their requirements and potentials that can be exploited to achieve maximum results.
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