On Tuesday, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced the opening of Cho La and Dok La for tourists as part of the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” initiative. This initiative represents a pivotal effort to enhance border tourism while fostering development and connectivity in India’s frontier regions.
The “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” is a flagship program jointly spearheaded by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism. This initiative aims to promote tourism in strategically significant border areas. Its broader goals include enhancing national security awareness, creating infrastructure, and improving livelihoods for communities residing in remote border villages.
According to Chief Minister Tamang, the Sikkim government is committed to the principle of “developing the last village first.” This vision aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme, which emphasizes accelerated development in border regions. Tamang highlighted that enhanced roads and services are transforming these frontier areas into hubs of opportunity.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, the Tourism Department, and the Government of India for their collective support in making Cho La and Dok La accessible to tourists. He assured the public that ongoing infrastructure development would prioritize safe and sustainable tourism. Furthermore, Tamang appreciated the Indian Army for organizing the Supercar Rally and recognized the efforts of GOC Mr. Rathore and his team.
The opening of Cho La and Dok La is anticipated to significantly enhance border tourism in Sikkim. Improved connectivity and an influx of visitors are likely to foster local employment and stimulate economic activity. This development is also expected to strengthen interpersonal connections in frontier regions while reinforcing India’s strategic presence along its borders.
Q1. What is the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative?
Answer: The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative is a joint program by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism aimed at promoting tourism in strategically important border areas, enhancing local livelihoods, and ensuring national security.
Q2. Why are Cho La and Dok La significant?
Answer: Cho La and Dok La are strategic border locations in Sikkim that have recently been opened for tourism, aiming to boost local economies and improve connectivity in the region.
Q3. How does the Vibrant Villages Programme relate to this initiative?
Answer: The Vibrant Villages Programme seeks to accelerate development in border areas, aligning with the goals of the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative to enhance infrastructure and local community livelihoods.
Q4. What role did the Indian Army play in this initiative?
Answer: The Indian Army played a crucial role in facilitating the opening of Cho La and Dok La for tourism and supported infrastructure development efforts to ensure safe and sustainable tourism practices.
Q5. What are the expected benefits of opening Cho La and Dok La for tourism?
Answer: Opening these sites is expected to increase tourism, thereby enhancing local employment opportunities, stimulating economic growth, and fostering community engagement in Sikkim's border regions.
Question 1: What is the primary objective of the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative?
A) Promote urban tourism
B) Enhance border tourism and livelihoods
C) Develop international tourism
D) Support cultural heritage
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which two ministries are involved in the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative?
A) Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Defence
B) Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tourism
C) Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Culture
D) Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Railways
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which program aligns with the vision of developing remote border areas in India?
A) Digital India Initiative
B) Vibrant Villages Programme
C) Smart City Mission
D) Make in India
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Who acknowledged the support of the Indian Army in opening Cho La and Dok La?
A) Prime Minister
B) Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang
C) Minister of Tourism
D) Governor of Sikkim
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What impact is expected from the opening of Cho La and Dok La on local communities?
A) Decreased tourism
B) Increased local employment and economic activity
C) Isolation of border villages
D) Decrease in infrastructure development
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: Which initiative aims to combine national security awareness with economic development?
A) Skill India Mission
B) Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan
C) National Health Mission
D) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Correct Answer: B
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