Sikkim Opens Cho La and Dok La for Tourists Under Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has officially declared Cho La and Dok La open for tourists under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative. The announcement marks an important step in promoting border tourism, strengthening connectivity, and accelerating development in India’s frontier regions.

This decision highlights India’s evolving approach of integrating national security awareness with tourism-led economic development.

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Sikkim Opens Cho La and Dok La for Tourists Under Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative

What is Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative?

Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan is a flagship programme jointly led by the:

Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Tourism

Key Objectives:

Open strategically important border areas for tourism
Promote awareness about India’s border regions and security forces
Create livelihood opportunities for local communities
Improve infrastructure in remote frontier villages

Strategic Importance of Cho La and Dok La

Cho La and Dok La are strategic mountain passes in Sikkim
Located near sensitive border areas, these locations have both geopolitical and historical significance
Opening them to tourism enhances people’s engagement with border regions while reinforcing India’s presence

Alignment with Vibrant Villages Programme

CM Prem Singh Tamang emphasised the philosophy of “developing the last village first”, which aligns with the Vibrant Villages Programme.

Programme Focus:

Accelerated development of border villages
Improved roads, connectivity, health, and education
Preventing migration from border areas
Turning frontier regions into growth hubs

Role of Indian Army and State Support

The Chief Minister acknowledged the crucial role played by:

Indian Army
Sikkim Tourism Department
Government of India

He thanked the Army for organising the Supercar Rally and appreciated the leadership of GOC Mr Rathore and his team. The government assured continued focus on safe, sustainable, and well-managed tourism infrastructure.

Expected Impact on Sikkim’s Border Regions

Boost in border tourism and visitor inflow
Creation of local employment and livelihood opportunities
Improved infrastructure and connectivity
Stronger people-to-people engagement in frontier areas
Reinforcement of India’s strategic and civilian presence along borders

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

Cho La & Dok La: Strategic border locations in Sikkim
Initiative: Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan
Ministries Involved: Defence & Tourism
Linked Programme: Vibrant Villages Programme
Objective: Border tourism, development, livelihoods

Question & Answer

Q1. Cho La and Dok La, recently opened for tourists, are located in which state?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Sikkim
(d) Himachal Pradesh
Answer: Sikkim

Q2. Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan is a joint initiative of which two ministries?
(a) Home & Tourism
(b) Defence & Tourism
(c) Culture & Defence
(d) Home & Culture
Answer: Defence & Tourism

Q3. The Vibrant Villages Programme mainly focuses on:
(a) Urban development
(b) Coastal tourism
(c) Border area development
(d) Industrial corridors
Answer: Border area development

Q4. Opening border areas like Cho La and Dok La for tourism aims to promote:
(a) Only tourism
(b) Only security
(c) Tourism, development, and livelihoods
(d) Mining activities
Answer: Tourism, development, and livelihoods

Q5. Who declared Cho La and Dok La open for tourists?
(a) Prime Minister of India
(b) Defence Minister
(c) Chief Minister of Sikkim
(d) Governor of Sikkim
Answer: Chief Minister of Sikkim

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