Pakyong, June 04 (IPR): A visit-cum-joint inspection of the proposed site at Aritar, Rhenock, under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) was conducted by District Collector, Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi, today.
The inspection team comprised Additional District Collector, Pakyong, Mr Pulkit; Sub Divisional Magistrate, Rongli, Mr SK Pradhan; BDO Rhenock, Mr RK Gurung; AE, PMGSY, Mr Sagar Pradhan and AD, IT, Mr Nirnai Rai.
Vibrant Village Programme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for comprehensive development of the 662 select villages in 46 blocks abutting northern border in 19 districts in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and UT of Ladakh.
The programme envisages focused areas of interventions in the select villages for creation of opportunities for livelihood generation through promotion of tourism & cultural heritage, skill development & entrepreneurship and development of cooperative societies including agriculture/horticulture, cultivation of medicinal plants/herbs etc. The interventions also include providing road connectivity to unconnected villages, housing & village infrastructures, energy including renewable energy, television & telecom connectivity. The objective of the programme is to create sufficient incentives for people to stay on in the selected villages.
The programme also aims to saturate all villages in such blocks in 4 thematic areas, namely all-weather road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television connectivity and on-grid electrification through convergence under existing scheme norms.
The visit focused on assessing the proposed site under VVP and identifying probable strategies and activities for its development. Key areas discussed included:
Promotion of tourism, local products and handicrafts.
Development of adventure tourism and religious tourism circuits.
Improvement of critical infrastructure, including all-weather road connectivity and potable drinking water supply.
Enhancement of livelihood opportunities through tourism and value chain development for agricultural produce.
Skill development in hospitality and other livelihood-oriented sectors.
Strengthening of healthcare facilities and services.
Development of educational infrastructure.
During the visit, the team inspected various potential sites, including Aritar Watch Tower, Hazare Brothers Farm, Dak Bungalow, Palzor Phinchuk Ling Monastery, meditation centre, stupa, Aritar Maneydara, Aritar School and Aritar Lake.
Following the inspection, a meeting was held at Aritar Lake. Addressing the gathering, DC Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi informed that the VVP is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, that aims to promote the comprehensive development of border villages through improved infrastructure, service delivery and livelihood opportunities.
She further stated that the programme focuses on key sectors such as education, healthcare, road connectivity, electricity, sanitation, telecommunications and tourism.
In addition, she informed that development proposals are being prepared for identified villages, with priority given to addressing gaps in basic amenities through convergence with existing government schemes. She added that innovative projects may also be proposed based on local requirements, while ensuring the availability of essential facilities such as schools, healthcare services, drinking water and road connectivity.
She noted that Aritar already possesses strengths, and stressed the need to promote these assets through community-based tourism. She added that involving local residents as guides and tourism stakeholders would help increase tourist stay, generate local employment and encourage repeat visits.
Further, she urged the members to identify training needs within their respective areas and furnish details of interested candidates who are willing to undergo skill development training under the Sikkim INSPIRES.
Speaking on tourism development, ADC Pakyong, Mr Pulkit, emphasised that tourism extends beyond the creation of infrastructure and should focus on providing meaningful experiences and lasting memories for visitors. He stated that improved visitor experiences could generate local employment opportunities, encourage longer stays and increase repeat visits.
Highlighting the potential of Aritar as a tourism destination, he noted that the area already possesses key attractions, including its cultural heritage, Buddhist monasteries, meditation retreats, nature trails, viewpoints and community-based tourism initiatives. He added that strengthening and promoting these existing assets could help increase the average duration of tourist stays and contribute to the local economy.
The visit also had the presence of panchayat members and members of the public.
Report from DIO Pakyong