Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new initiative on Thursday to restore villages in Uttarakhand that were abandoned during the 1962 India-China war. Addressing a public gathering in Harsil, he emphasized that while many have forgotten this chapter of history, he has not. He detailed plans to develop these villages into major tourist destinations.
“During the 1962 war, these two villages in Uttarkashi district were evacuated. While time may have erased this from public memory, we cannot forget. We have now launched a campaign to rehabilitate these villages and transform them into prominent tourism spots,” PM Modi said.
He redefined the perception of border villages, calling them the nation’s first villages rather than its last. To ensure these regions benefit from tourism, the government has introduced the Vibrant Village program, which includes ten villages from this area in its development plans.
“Our goal is to bring the benefits of tourism to Uttarakhand’s border regions. Earlier, these villages were considered the last, but we changed this mindset. We now see them as our first villages,” he added.
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s infrastructure progress under the double-engine government, PM Modi referenced the Kedarnath and Hemkund Ropeway Projects.
“Our government is working tirelessly to develop Uttarakhand. Over the past decade, rapid advancements have been made in roadways, railways, air travel, and helicopter services. Just yesterday, the Union Cabinet approved the Kedarnath and Hemkund Ropeway Projects. Once completed, the Kedarnath Ropeway will reduce the travel time from 8 to 9 hours to just 30 minutes, making the pilgrimage significantly easier, especially for the elderly and children,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Maa Ganga Mukhwa’s winter residence for prayers and inaugurated a trek and bike rally in Harsil, accompanied by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Additionally, the state government has launched a Winter Tourism program, drawing thousands of devotees to the winter sites of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This initiative aims to boost religious tourism while supporting local businesses, including homestays and tourism enterprises.
