NEWS – India’s Union government introduces a program to promote battlefield tourism, allowing tourists to visit iconic war sites to educate citizens on historic battles and inspire patriotism.

HIGHLIGHTS

Launch Details

• Programme Launch: Introduced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during Army Day in Pune.
• Number of Sites: 77 historic battlefields to be made accessible.

Historic Locations Opened

• Rezang La (Ladakh):
  • Scene of the 1962 battle between India and China’s PLA at 16,000 ft altitude.
  • Highlighted bravery of 120 Kumaon Regiment soldiers under Maj Shaitan Singh.
• Galwan Valley (Ladakh): Location of the recent India-China hand-to-hand combat.
• Doklam (Sikkim): Site of the 2017 standoff between India and China.

Additional Sites

• Arunachal Pradesh: Nathu La, Cho La, Bum La, Kibithu.
• Ladakh: Pangong Tso.
• Uttarakhand: Lipulekh Pass.
• Sikkim: Gurudongmar Lake.
• Rajasthan: Longewala (1971 India-Pakistan war site).

Features of the Battlefield Tourism Initiative

Infrastructure and Accessibility

• Four Pillars: Development focuses on infrastructure, communication, tourism, and education.
• Siachen Base Camp: May be partially opened for trekkers.

Technological Support

• Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan App and Website:
  • Comprehensive information on historical battlefields.
  • Details on war memorials, museums, and permit applications.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Promoting Awareness

• Reliving History: Tourists can immerse themselves in India’s military heritage.
• Educational Opportunities: Insight into the conditions faced by soldiers.

Examples of Valor

• Kargil Peaks: Plans under consideration to allow trekking to key locations of the Indo-Pak conflict.
• Longewala: Already a popular destination for its significance in the 1971 war, as depicted in the film Border.