Tourism Secretary holds interactive session with village sarpanch Vibrant Village Programme

Monday, August 21, 2023

An interactive session was held between Secretary of Tourism, Ms. V. Vidyavathi, with more than 300 Sarpanches/Gram Pradhans from Border Villages as part of the Vibrant Villages Program on August 16th at Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi.

The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), which was introduced as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, calls for the holistic development of villages that have been designated in 46 blocks that are adjacent to the northern border in 19 districts throughout Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

The meeting included topics such as various facets of tourism, difficulties experienced by various communities, and potential/solutions for tourist growth. Infrastructure, community involvement, skill development, and environmental preservation were among the many subjects covered by the attendees.

SmtVidyavathi said, “We have to celebrate the tourism festivals, and for that, you do not have to come to Delhi, we will reach your villages to celebrate the festival with you.Adventure tourism is an important segment for tourism ministry and it has huge potential in vibrant villages”.

In her remarks on sustainability, she stated that although tourism must be promoted, communities must not be sacrificed. Additionally, she reaffirmed that all necessary assistance will be provided to promote and develop the communities included in the initiative for dynamic villages as tourism destinations.

Sarpanches from several villages discussed the benefits and problems related with increasing tourism in their communities.

The potential for tourism in the area was underlined by Ms. Pema Sherpa of Nathula, Sikkim, who also emphasized the need for power, improved road infrastructure, and skill development.

In Lahllung, Arunachal Pradesh, Mr. Dala Naksanga emphasized the necessity of better road connection, telecommunications, and employment creation.He also proposed sports organizations teach young people in pursuits like paragliding and rafting.

A proponent of responsible tourism development and the preservation of the local identity, Pradeep Kumar Negi of Batseri, Himachal Pradesh, recommended solutions like cable cars and ropeways for visitors.

Mr. ThupstinTsultim of Durbuk, Ladakh, spoke on the value of cultural events, home stays, and online connectivity.

Mr. Dinesh Rawat (Harshil, Uttarakhand) promoted winter sports, the development of yoga and artisan tourism, and the significance of environmental consciousness.

Mr. Huri Nai (Arunachal Pradesh, Damin)brought attention to the need for land preservation and the value of tourism in fostering community growth

The program was attended by more than 300 Sarpanches and Gram Pradhans from Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and UT Ladakh.

On February 15, 2023, the Vibrant Villages Program received approval from the central government. For the fiscal years 2022–2023 to 2025–2026, the central government would contribute Rs. 4,800 crore, including Rs. 2,500 crore for road connection.

Three Transstate Mega Adventure Trails are being developed by the Ministry of Tourism, with an emphasis on border settlements included in the Vibrant settlements Program. The Trans Himalayan Trail, Eastern Indian Himalayan Trail, and Western Indian Himalayan Trail are all included.

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