Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)
Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) is a Government of India initiative launched to improve infrastructure, connectivity, livelihood opportunities and public services in strategically important villages located along India's northern border. The programme focuses on strengthening border communities by promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for local residents.
Besides road and communication infrastructure, the programme encourages tourism, homestays, agriculture, horticulture, traditional crafts, medicinal plant cultivation and other livelihood activities that help create long-term employment opportunities in remote Himalayan villages.
Vibrant Village Programme in Uttarakhand
In Uttarakhand, the Vibrant Villages Programme covers selected border villages situated in the districts of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi. These villages lie close to the international borders with China and Nepal and have been identified for priority development under the first phase of the scheme.
The programme aims to improve road connectivity, digital communication, tourism infrastructure, healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities while encouraging people to continue living in these strategically important border settlements.
Major Objectives of the Vibrant Villages Programme
- Improve road, electricity and digital connectivity in border villages.
- Promote tourism and homestay-based rural livelihoods.
- Support agriculture, horticulture and medicinal plant cultivation.
- Generate local employment and reduce migration from border areas.
- Strengthen essential public services including healthcare and education.
- Promote sustainable development while preserving local culture and traditions.
District-wise Coverage in Uttarakhand
The first phase of the programme covers villages located in three border districts of Uttarakhand:
- Chamoli District
- Pithoragarh District
- Uttarkashi District
List of villages in Uttarakhand under the first phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP):
| S.No | Villages |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bamni |
| 2 | Bampa |
| 3 | Farkiya (Farkiagaon) |
| 4 | Gajkoti |
| 5 | Gamsali |
| 6 | Gurguti |
| 7 | Joshimath |
| 8 | Kailashpur |
| 9 | Kosha (Kosa) |
| 10 | Mahargaon |
| 11 | Malari |
| 12 | Mana |
| 13 | Neeti (Niti) |
| 14 | Rewal Chak Kurkuti |
| 15 | Baling |
| 16 | Dar |
| 17 | Dugtu |
| 18 | Garbyang |
| 19 | Gunji |
| 20 | Heera Gumari R.F. |
| 21 | Heera Gumari R.F. (P-2) |
| 22 | Khimling |
| 23 | Kuti |
| 24 | Marcha (Marchha) |
| 25 | Napalchu (Napalachchu) |
| 26 | Navi |
| 27 | Rongkong (Raung Kong) |
| 28 | Seepu (Sipu) |
| 29 | Sela |
| 30 | Sobla (Sobala) |
| 31 | Tidang |
| 32 | Amali |
| 33 | Beda (Bedara) |
| 34 | Bilju |
| 35 | Burphu |
| 36 | Martoli |
| 37 | Milam (Meelam) |
| 38 | Pachhu Gunth |
| 39 | Panchhu |
| 40 | Rilkot |
| 41 | Tola |
| 42 | Bagori |
| 43 | Dharali |
| 44 | Harshil |
| 45 | Jadung |
| 46 | Jaspur |
| 47 | Jhala |
| 48 | Mukhawa |
| 49 | Nelang |
| 50 | Purali |
| 51 | Sukki |
How Will These Villages Benefit?
The selected villages are expected to receive priority attention for infrastructure development, tourism promotion and livelihood generation under the Vibrant Villages Programme. Development activities may include better road connectivity, mobile and internet services, public facilities, promotion of local tourism, homestays, agriculture-based livelihoods and improved access to government services.
What is Vibrant Village Program for?
The Vibrant Village Programme is a centrally sponsored programme launched by the Government of India in 2023 to develop selected villages along India’s northern borders comprehensively. Similar programmes such as the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) have suffered due to meagre financial resources, ineffective monitoring of projects and uncooperative state governments.
Key Reasons for Launching the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)
- Response to Border Security Needs: Initiated after India-China border tensions in 2020, focusing on the India–China border.
- Addressing Infrastructure Gaps: Poor road connectivity limits government access and basic services in remote areas.
- Curbing Migration: Lack of opportunities forces residents to migrate for better livelihood options.
- Improving Strategic Defense: Developed border areas and communities aid in surveillance, intelligence, and logistical support for security forces.
- Territorial Assertion: Permanent settlements in border areas reinforce India's claim on disputed lands.
- China’s Development Model Influence: China’s extensive border infrastructure projects motivated India’s response through VVP.
