New Delhi News: With the help of the Indian Army, a tent based homestay has been started in Garbyang, a historical and picturesque border village located in Kumaon, Uttarakhand. The Army has taken this important initiative under Operation Sadbhavna to promote rural tourism, sustainable development and empowerment of local communities. This facility was inaugurated by Lieutenant General DG. Mishra, General Officer Commanding, North India Area.
The Army says that this project is in line with the Vibrant Villages Program of the Government of India. Its objective is to promote tourism in border villages, preserve local culture and provide new opportunities for community-based livelihood. Garbyang village situated in the lap of Himalayas is famous for its amazing natural beauty and historical-religious importance. It is often called the ‘Gate of Shivanagari Gunji’. There are two major pilgrimage routes from here, one of which leads towards Adi Kailash and the other towards Om Parvat and Kalapani. This area is considered very important from religious faith and strategic point of view.
Local Participation and Enthusiasm The residents of Garbyang village enthusiastically participated in the inauguration ceremony and expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for this initiative. Villagers said that this project will not only boost tourism in the area but will also generate employment and economic opportunities for the local youth.
At the same time, according to the Indian Army, this initiative of his is a proof of his continuous commitment towards the socio-economic upliftment of the border areas and nation building. These homestays, started with the help of the army, have many special features.
This tent-based homestay, developed under Operation Sadbhavana, has now been completely handed over to the village committee. The village committee will now operate it independently. Tourists can directly experience the local lifestyle, traditional food, culture and natural beauty here.
According to the information given by the Army, for booking, numbers can be contacted on 9410734276, 7579811930 and 9596752645. The per night charge per person here is Rs 1,000. This fee has been determined including food.
Many religious and cultural places are located in this village and its surrounding area, among which Om Parvat, Kailash Parvat (through Lipulekh Pass), Kalika Mata Temple (from where the Kali River originates), Rishi Vyas Cave, Adi Kailash, Parvati Kund, Gauri Kund and Rang Samudhya Museum, Gunji etc. are prominent.
It is noteworthy that along with encouraging tourism, the Indian Army is also running many schemes for the all-round development of border villages. These include village electrification, installation of hybrid solar plants, organizing free medical camps, construction of polyhouses and other infrastructure development projects. These initiatives aim to increase sustainable livelihood opportunities in marginal areas, improve living standards and more strongly integrate local communities with the mainstream of the nation.
This tent based homestay started by the Indian Army in Garbyang is not just a tourism project but a symbol of development, self-reliance and cultural renaissance of frontier India. This initiative shows that the Army not only guards the borders but is also the sentinel of the development of border India.