Blitz Bureau
THE Central Government has identified 77 sites under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative, designed to raise awareness by opening historically significant locations linked to the valour and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces to tourists.
The selected sites span various states, including 11 in Jammu and Kashmir, four in Himachal Pradesh, seven in Rajasthan, five in Gujarat, five in Ladakh, seven in Sikkim, 21 in Arunachal Pradesh, and eight in Uttarakhand.
A dedicated Ranbhoomi app was launched on January 15 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to facilitate tourist access to these locations. To ensure the safety of tourists visiting high-altitude and high-risk border zones, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Indian Army and state governments, has implemented several risk mitigation and safety measures. These include single-window clearances, controlled access and permits, emergency response and medical aid, and weather advisories.
Additionally, with some locations classified as “fragile,” guidelines promoting sustainable tourism have been issued. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that the Government has approved Rs 3,295.76 crore for FY 2024-25 to support 40 projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, which aims to develop world-class tourist centres across the country.
According to the statement, state governments were asked to submit project proposals, which were evaluated based on factors such as connectivity, sustainability, and the effectiveness of tourism marketing strategies. While state agencies will manage the projects, the Ministry of Tourism has established a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure timely and successful implementation.
