CHINESE OCCUPATION OF BORDER VILLAGES
Why in the News?
- China has begun occupying its “Xiaokang” border defence villages along India’s northeastern borders, built since 2019.
- Recent reports indicate Chinese nationals have started residing in villages near Lohit Valley and the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh.
About Infrastructure Development :
- India’s military expresses worry over the villages, showing China’s territorial claims along the LAC.
- China has constructed 628 such villages along the border with Tibet. Infrastructure development extends from Tawang to Siang valley.
India’s Response:
- India has also enhanced border infrastructure, focusing on connectivity, alternate routes, and modernizing border villages.
- Programs like the Vibrant Villages aim to develop 663 border villages, with 17 selected as pilot projects along the China border.
About Vibrant Villages Programme
· Centrally sponsored scheme introduced in Union Budget 2022-23 (until 2025-26) aims to develop villages along the northern border, enhancing residents’ quality of life. · Target areas include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Ladakh. · Encompassing 2,963 villages, with 663 in the initial phase. · District administrations, aided by Gram Panchayats, will formulate Vibrant Village Action Plans. |