Ladakh to develop 10 model border hamlets

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Wednesday said the union territory will develop 10 model border hamlets under the vibrant village programme, with the foundation stone of the first such village laid at Chumur in eastern Ladakh. 

Addressing locals during the launch of the project, Saxena described the initiative as a matter of pride and said the enthusiastic participation of villagers reflected their aspirations and wholehearted support for the ambitious programme.  “The vibrant village programme, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to create self-reliant, climate-resilient, tourism-enabled and economically vibrant border villages in India’s high-altitude frontier regions”, he added. 

Located at an altitude of 16,700 feet along the Indo-China border, Chumur comprises 24 households with a population of 91 people, all of whom are engaged in Pashmina rearing and production. 

Saxena said under the project, 24 modern climate-resilient houses with thermally insulated walls will be constructed for the villagers. “Each house will include an additional room suitable for homestay facilities to enhance livelihood opportunities”. He added that the houses are expected to be completed by September 2026, subject to weather conditions. 

The Lieutenant Governor said the development plan for Chumur will focus on infrastructure creation, employment and livelihood generation, tourism promotion, all-weather functionality and stronger civilian-defence integration.

“Special emphasis will be placed on promoting Pashmina products and local handicrafts to encourage self-reliance and help reverse migration from border areas,” he said, adding the vibrant village programme is a transformative initiative that goes beyond conventional development and seeks to enhance national security, stability and resilience by strengthening border settlements. 

The project is expected to serve as a model for sustainable development in remote border regions while improving living standards and economic opportunities for local communities.