Transforming Frontline: India's Vision for Model Border Villages

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh detailed the government's plans to transform villages along the China border into 'model villages.' In his address at the Border Area Development Conclave, he outlined infrastructure improvements and reverse migration efforts aimed at integrating these remote areas into national development.

The government is set on transforming villages along the China frontier in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh into 'model villages,' Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at a conclave, Singh emphasized New Delhi's commitment to the holistic development of these border villages, referring to them as India's 'first villages' rather than remote areas.

His remarks come as the government increases focus on enhancing infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, following tensions in eastern Ladakh.

Sinh highlighted that the civil-military collaboration in border areas is driving reverse migration to frontier regions. He noted that India's strategic position exposes it to various challenges, best addressed through border area development.

'Our goal is to transform villages along the Northern borders, particularly in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, into 'Model Villages,' ensuring they are connected to mainstream development,' Singh stated.

The minister pointed out significant progress over the past decade, with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) constructing over 8,500 kms of roads and more than 400 permanent bridges. Key projects like the Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel, and Shikun-La Tunnel—set to be the world's highest tunnel—are hailed as milestones.

Additionally, the government has initiated the 220 kilo-volt Srinagar-Leh electricity line to link border areas of Ladakh to the national grid. Singh said infrastructure for distributing electricity in the north-eastern states is being strengthened, and high-speed internet has reached over 1,500 villages through the Bharat-Net broadband project.

'In the last four years alone, more than 7,000 border villages have been equipped with internet connectivity, with a focus on Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh,' Singh said.

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi described border area development as a cornerstone of national security. He credited past Indian Army efforts for contributing significantly to model village development, border tourism, and supporting infrastructure projects.

Sinh reiterated the government's steadfast resolve to ensure progress across the country, highlighting that developments in infrastructure not only facilitate military deployments but also improve residents' lives in border areas.

'Tourism has great potential in border areas but was hampered by insufficient infrastructure,' Singh noted. However, since this government came to power, development in these regions has surged. Between 2020 and 2023, tourist numbers in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh increased by 30%. Similar trends have been observed in Kashmir, leading to job creation and economic strengthening.

Singh stressed that 'reverse migration,' a positive outcome of economic development, has been particularly noteworthy in villages like Huri in Arunachal Pradesh. He mentioned that both central and state governments are striving for economic progress while the BRO and the Indian Army focus on infrastructure, resulting in reverse migration.

'We are ensuring the participation of border area residents in their development alongside the Indian Army. We encourage youths to join the NCC,' he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)