New Delhi: In a commendable move towards community upliftment and strategic development, Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has issued directives to Army formations to spearhead the rehabilitation of long-deserted border villages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Uttarakhand. This initiative, with a keen focus on Nelang and Jadung near the China border, aims to rejuvenate these historic settlements which were vacated during the tumultuous Indo-China conflict of 1962.
Aligned with the Indian government’s vision of fostering robust communities along the border regions, the Army’s involvement under ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ underscores its commitment to holistic border area development and national security.
During a recent inspection of the central sector of the LAC, General Chauhan stressed the pivotal role of local formations in facilitating the return and resettlement of villagers, thus revitalizing these frontier settlements that hold immense historical significance.
“During a recent visit to the forward areas of the central sector of the LAC to Joshimath, the Chief of Defence Staff urged the local formations to aid in the rehabilitation of these villages, now recognized as the pioneer settlements along the border,” shared Army officials with a media outlet.
In a collaborative effort involving Army units, ITBP personnel, and civilian authorities, steps are underway to facilitate the safe return of the villagers to their ancestral homes. However, challenges persist, particularly in identifying the rightful heirs of the abandoned land after more than six decades, compounded by the passing of many original landowners.
Moreover, rejuvenating commercial activities is imperative to sustain the livelihoods of the returning population and to foster economic resilience within these communities.
To support these villages, the Army is exploring various avenues, including the development of tourism infrastructure to harness the region’s natural beauty and tranquility. “The pristine skies in this area, coupled with its altitude of 13,000 feet, offer ideal conditions for stargazing, which we aim to promote as a tourism activity,” remarked an Army official.
Efforts are also underway to revive local cultural traditions, such as the Jadh festival in Jadhang village, with plans for the construction of community spaces and temples to further enrich the cultural fabric of these settlements.
Once commercial activities gain momentum, these villages, strategically accessible from the popular tourist hub of Harsil, hold immense potential to emerge as coveted destinations for adventure enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.
Prioritizing the development of Jadung village followed by Nelang village underscores the Army’s commitment to advancing infrastructure and fostering community engagement in the region, thereby contributing to the overarching goal of forward development and national security.
