Why in news?
The Chief Minister of Sikkim recently opened the historic mountain passes Cho La and Dok La to tourists under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan programme. This initiative, launched earlier this year by the Ministries of Defence and Tourism, aims to encourage visitors to remote border areas and battlefields, bringing fresh attention to the sacrifices and stories of India’s armed forces.
Background
Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan was announced on 15 January 2025, the 77th Army Day. It seeks to develop and promote tourism at sites associated with historic battles, military operations and border incidents. The initiative complements the Vibrant Villages Programme, which focuses on improving infrastructure and livelihoods in remote border villages. A dedicated website and mobile app provide visitors with information, permit applications, travel advice and virtual tours of hard‑to‑reach areas.
Key features
- Comprehensive platform: The Bharat Ranbhoomi portal includes interactive maps, historical narratives, photographs and audio guides covering around 77 forward sites such as the Galwan Valley, Doklam plateau, Nathu La, Longewala, Kargil and Siachen. Users can apply for permits and plan travel routes through the app.
- Infrastructure upgrades: To make remote areas accessible and comfortable, the programme funds roads, viewing platforms, toilets and communication networks. Homestays run by local families provide accommodation, spreading economic benefits within the community.
- Community participation: Local youth are trained as guides and storytellers. Army veterans collaborate with tourism departments to convey the strategic and emotional significance of each site. Crafts and cuisine unique to border regions are marketed to visitors.
- Safety and sustainability: The programme coordinates with security agencies to ensure that tourists can travel safely without interfering with ongoing defence operations. Environmental safeguards aim to prevent littering and preserve fragile alpine ecosystems.
Recent developments
- Opening of Cho La and Dok La: These passes, located on the India–China border in Sikkim, were the site of confrontations in 1967 and 2017. Controlled tourism will allow visitors to understand their historical significance while bringing economic opportunities to nearby villages.
- Permit facilitation: Visitors can now apply for passes through the official portal rather than navigating multiple bureaucracies. This simplifies access and ensures that security protocols are followed.
- Expansion to other sites: Authorities are planning to open additional forward areas such as the Rezang La memorial in Ladakh and the Sir Creek area in Gujarat, subject to feasibility and security assessments.
Significance
- Honouring sacrifice: By enabling citizens to visit battlefields and border posts, the programme fosters respect for soldiers’ valour and educates the public about India’s defence history.
- Boosting local economies: Tourism generates income for border villages, encourages infrastructure development and creates jobs in homestays, guiding and transport services.
- Strategic awareness: A greater civilian presence in border districts can strengthen national integration and dispel misconceptions about remote regions.
Conclusion
Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan represents a novel fusion of tourism and patriotism. By thoughtfully opening historically significant sites to visitors, the initiative can nurture national pride, support rural livelihoods and showcase India’s diverse border landscapes. Careful management will be essential to balance tourism with security and environmental conservation.
Source: NOA
