Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan App: Exploring India’s Military Heritage

Why in the news?

The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app, launched by the Defence Minister, promotes battlefield tourism and highlights India’s military history, offering virtual tours of key battle sites and boosting socio-economic development in border regions.

Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan App: Exploring India’s Military Heritage

Overview and Purpose:

  • The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app was launched by the Defence Minister during Army Day celebrations to highlight India’s rich wartime history.
  • A joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism, the app offers a virtual experience of India’s battlefields and border regions.
  • The app aims to promote “battlefield tourism”, providing users with virtual tours, historical narratives, and interactive content about significant military sites.

Key Locations and Historical Significance

  • The app features key sites such as:
    • Galwan Valley (Ladakh)
    • Doklam (Sikkim)
    • Longewala (Rajasthan)
    • These locations are associated with historic battles like:
      • The 1962 Sino-Indian War
      • The 1967 Nathu La skirmish
      • The 1971 Battle of Longewala
    • Over 75 forward military sites have been included in this initiative, which were pivotal in India’s defense history.

Impact and Socio-Economic Development

  • The initiative aims to boost socio-economic development in border regions by promoting tourism.
  • The app simplifies travel planning, including permit acquisition, to visit these strategic locations.
  • Collaborating with local authorities, the Indian Army ensures operational readiness of these areas while facilitating visitor access.
  • This initiative offers visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to better understand the challenges faced by soldiers in these tough terrains and fostering a deeper appreciation for India’s military heritage.

What is Doklam?

  • Location: Doklam is situated at the tri-junction of Tibet, Bhutan, and Sikkim.
  • Geographic Surroundings:
  • North: Chumbi Valley (Tibet)
  • South: Ha Valley (Bhutan)
  • East: Sikkim (India)
  • Strategic Importance:
  • Close to the Siliguri Corridor (also called Chicken’s Neck), a critical land link connecting mainland India to its northeastern region.
  • The Siliguri Corridor is considered a vulnerable point for India due to its narrow width, making it strategically significant.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times