Sikkim Opens Cho La and Dok La for Border Tourism

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Tuesday officially declared Cho La and Dok La open for tourists under the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” initiative. The move marks a significant step towards promoting border tourism while strengthening development and connectivity in India’s frontier regions.

Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative

“Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” is a flagship programme jointly led by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism. The initiative focuses on opening strategically significant border locations to tourism. Its broader aim is to combine national security awareness with economic development, infrastructure creation and livelihood enhancement for communities living in remote border villages.

Vision Aligned with Vibrant Villages Programme

Chief Minister Tamang stated that the Sikkim government follows the principle of “developing the last village first”. This vision aligns with the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme, which seeks to accelerate development in border areas. According to Tamang, improved roads, facilities and services are transforming frontier regions into hubs of opportunity.

Role of Indian Army and State Support

The Chief Minister acknowledged the Indian Army, the Tourism Department and the Government of India for their coordinated support in opening Cho La and Dok La to tourists. He assured that infrastructure development would continue to ensure safe and sustainable tourism. Tamang also thanked the Indian Army for organising the Supercar Rally and appreciated the efforts of GOC Mr Rathore and his team.

What to Note for Exams?

• Cho La and Dok La are strategic border locations in Sikkim.
• Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan is a joint initiative of the Defence and Tourism Ministries.
• The programme promotes border tourism and local livelihoods.
• The initiative aligns with the Vibrant Villages Programme.

Expected Impact on Sikkim’s Border Regions

The opening of Cho La and Dok La is expected to significantly boost border tourism in Sikkim. Improved connectivity and visitor inflow are likely to enhance local employment and economic activity. The development is also seen as strengthening people-to-people engagement in frontier areas while reinforcing India’s strategic presence along its borders.