PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE//Dehradun
Rural Development minister Ganesh Joshi said that 91 villages along the India-China and India-Nepal borders in Uttarakhand have been selected for the Vibrant Villages Project (VVP). He said this while he received a detailed progress report on the project from the Rural Development commissioner. The VVP, implemented by the Central government aims to strengthen infrastructure, create livelihoods and control population migration in border areas. The initiative seeks to develop these remote border villages into model villages, providing residents with improved living standards, amenities and employment opportunities.
Joshi said that out of the 91 villages selected under VVP-1, 51 are located in districts along the India-China border, including 10 villages of Bhatwadi block, Uttarkashi, Jyotirmath Block, Chamoli with 14 villages, Munsyari, Dharchula and Kanalichhina, Pithoragarh with eight villages, 17 villages and two villages respectively. The State government has allocated Rs 520.13 crore to the Home ministry to bolster economic activities in these villages, build connectivity roads, promote local culture and tourism and develop modern facilities. Of this, the State has received over Rs 110 crore in funds.
He added that the remaining 40 villages selected under VVP-2 are located along the India-Nepal border. This includes Champawat with 11 villages, Pithoragarh with 24 villages, and Udham Singh Nagar with six villages. Data collection and verification for these villages are currently in progress. For the road component of the VVP, Rs 119.44 crore has been approved for the construction of five PMGSY roads in Pithoragarh district. This will further enhance road connectivity in border areas, facilitating movement and trade in strategically important regions.
Joshi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting his special affection for border villages as an inspiring force. He noted, “The message of making Mana the first, not the last, village in the country reflects PM sensitivity towards Uttarakhand.” Joshi said that the VVP will promote modern facilities, sustainable livelihoods, agriculture and horticulture, a safe environment and a tourism-based economy in the State’s remote villages. He expressed confidence that the full implementation of this scheme will be a milestone in transforming Uttarakhand’s border villages into self-reliant, safe and advanced model villages.
