TOURISM IN INDIA:
- The programme aids in the identification and development of economic drivers based on the local, human, natural, and other resources of the border villages on the northern border; the establishment of growth hubs using a “hub and spoke model” by fostering social entrepreneurship; and the empowerment of young people and women through skill development and entrepreneurship.
- by enhancing its authority, Gram Panchayats would help the district administration create dynamic village action plans.
- To maximise the potential for tourism, regional, cultural, traditional knowledge, and history should be promoted.
- Sustainable eco-agribusinesses built on the principle of “one village, one product” are being created through community-based organisations, cooperatives, and NGOs.
Fostering tourism:
- India’s border States have a significant amount of untapped tourism potential because of the areas’ remoteness and accessibility challenges. Aside from the lack of infrastructure, adventure sports, mountaineering, and related commercial activities are all subject to onerous security procedures and permissions that are routinely provided by different agencies.
- In coordination with the nation’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, motorcycle adventures for citizens should be organised at the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh.
- To explore locations like the Saser Kangri massif for mountaineering expeditions, small, experienced teams can collaborate with the military and the Indian Mountaineering Federation.
- Similar to this, Pangong Lake in Ladakh is a popular tourist destination. Photographers and birdwatchers will love the area around Pangong Lake and Chushul.
- The Changthang wildlife reserve has wetlands and a sizable Kiang population. Lhari Peak is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
- The Demchok area has a number of hot springs that are well-known for their usage in naturopathic medicine. Three nearby settlements, Tsaga, Koyul, and Hanle, can also be further developed.
- The Chumar region needs to increase tourism. With a focus on home stays in particular, the Tso Moriri lake area can improve tourism.
- Both the Niti Valley in Uttarakhand and the related Mana hamlet, which are close to the Line of Actual Control, have similar possibilities.
- Moreover, the Parvati Kund region near Rimkhim in the Barahoti bowl has promise for increased tourism.
- In Sikkim, the region surrounding Doka La is ideal for tourism. Pedong, Nathang Valley, Zuluk, Kupup, Baba Harbhajan Temple, and the Yak Gold Course, the highest golf course in the world, are nearby locations.
- In the eastern region, the Bum La Pass in Arunachal Pradesh is already a well-known tourist destination. The number of people visiting the region could rise up until Zero Point, where border guards and Chinese officials meet.
- Taksing, which is positioned higher up in the Upper Subansiri district, is surrounded by gorgeous river basins, virgin rainforest, and lovely camping grounds. Buddhist pilgrims who travel the ancient Tsari road view it as having religious significance as well. River rafting is an option in addition to Siyum.
Moving ahead:
- Despite the fact that many border locations are rural and little populated, every effort should be made to establish hubs of civilian presence and arrangements for house stays. When they promote their travels on social media, foreigners provide value. It is advised to use financing from initiatives like the Border Area Development Project to build houses and lay fibre optic cable for communication.
- The military’s deployment continues to be the main source of revenue for locals in many far-off places. This needs to change in order to support commercial activities like tourism. Priority should be given to building all-weather roads, rest areas, restrooms, gas stations, medical facilities, electricity (preferably solar and wind energy), communication towers, and suitable medical facilities.
- India’s border regions offer a lot of promise for tourism, but it’s equally important to make sure that initiatives are only carried out after performing feasibility analyses. The Himalayan belt is experiencing subsidence due to uncontrolled, illegal growth. It is important to encourage infrastructure that helps the local economy and is built sustainably.
