TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN BORDER VILLAGES

**Executive Summary** The Government of India has initiated the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-I and VVP-II) to ensure the comprehensive development of selected villages along international borders. With a combined financial outlay exceeding ₹11,000 crore, the schemes focus on improving infrastructure and livelihood opportunities through FY 2028-29. The primary objective is to create sufficient incentives for residents to remain in border areas by enhancing connectivity, tourism, and essential services. **Key Points / Main Content** **Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I)** * **Status:** Approved on February 15, 2023, as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. * **Outlay and Timeline:** ₹4,800 crore allocated for the period of FY 2022-23 to 2025-26. * **Scope:** Covers 662 identified villages in 46 blocks across the northern border, including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and the UT of Ladakh. **Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II)** * **Status:** Established as a Central Sector Scheme. * **Outlay and Timeline:** ₹6,839 crore allocated through Financial Year 2028-29. * **Scope:** Targets blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs) in 17 States and UTs, including Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, excluding those already covered under VVP-I. **Core Interventions and Objectives** * **Livelihood Generation:** Promotion of tourism, cultural heritage, skill development, and entrepreneurship. * **Sectoral Development:** Support for cooperative societies in agriculture, horticulture, and the cultivation of medicinal plants/herbs. * **Infrastructure Improvements:** Provision of road connectivity, health facilities, education infrastructure, and renewable energy. * **Digital Connectivity:** Enhancement of television and telecom connectivity. **Tourism Infrastructure Progress** * **Approved Projects:** 263 tourism-related projects approved under VVP-I with an outlay of ₹116 crore. * **Developments:** Projects include the construction of viewpoints, adventure tourism sites, eco-resorts, trek routes, and tourist centers. **Impact Analysis** **Residents of Identified Border Villages** **Impact** Improved quality of life through better access to healthcare, education, and connectivity, alongside increased local employment opportunities. **Action Required** Participate in livelihood programs, cooperative societies, and skill development initiatives provided by the scheme. **State and UT Governments** **Impact** Responsible for the implementation of comprehensive development projects backed by central financial outlays. **Action Required** Coordinate the execution of infrastructure and tourism projects within the designated timelines (2025-26 for VVP-I and 2028-29 for VVP-II). **Tourism and Infrastructure Developers** **Impact** New opportunities for the development of eco-tourism, adventure sports, and hospitality infrastructure in previously unconnected regions. **Action Required** Execute approved projects such as eco-resorts, trek routes, and tourist centers as per the program’s guidelines.

Key Entities Referenced