Uttarkashi: Jadung, a border village in Uttarkashi district, is poised to transform into a vibrant tourist destination. This village was deserted after the Indo-China war in 1962, leading to its residents relocating to other regions, and silence prevailing for decades.
However, the state government has now initiated plans to revive Jadung as a tourist village, aiming to promote tourism and generate employment for the local community.
Government has started working on a comprehensive tourism development plan
The Uttarakhand government has started working on a comprehensive tourism development plan for Jadung village. This plan includes various construction projects that will resume after a halt during the winter months. The preparations are set to restart in April and May, with a focus on revamping the village and enhancing its appeal to tourists.
Efforts intensified since last year
Efforts to develop Jadung have intensified since last year. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) has been appointed as the implementing agency for this project. GMVN Managing Director Vishal Mishra stated that the construction work, which was paused due to winter, will resume in two months. The state government is committed to transforming Jadung into a model tourist village.
GMVN has focused on reconstructing six dilapidated houses
In the first phase of the project, GMVN has focused on reconstructing six dilapidated houses in Jadung village. Work on these houses began on September 19, 2024. Four houses have already been completely demolished, and significant progress has been made in rebuilding them. An amount of Rs 365.33 lakh was sanctioned for this work, with Rs 146 lakh already released at the government level. Additionally, an estimate of Rs 493.36 lakh has been prepared for the reconstruction of eight other buildings, with technical testing and approval from the income-expenditure committee completed. Administrative and financial approval from the government is expected soon.
Festival ground and caravan park
To restore the village’s beauty, a festival ground will be built in Jadung. An estimate of Rs 997.31 lakh has been prepared for this project. Moreover, a proposal of Rs 999.89 lakh has been made for developing a caravan park at Hindoligad on the Bhaironghati-Jadung motor road. These initiatives aim to attract tourists and revitalize the village’s charm.
Construction of an entrance gate and a check post in Jadung village
The construction of an entrance gate and a check post in Jadung village is set to begin in April 2025, with Rs 91.38 lakh allocated for this work. Additionally, Rs 50.43 lakh has been sanctioned for building a viewpoint at Hawa Band, located in front of Gartang Gali on the Bhaironghati-Jadung motor road, and Rs 66 lakh has been sanctioned for a viewpoint at Srikantha on the same road. The tender process for these works has been completed, and construction is expected to start in April-May.
Transforming Jadung into a tourist village is a priority, says CM Dhami
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the state government’s commitment to developing border areas, including Jadung village. He stated that transforming Jadung into a tourist village is a priority, and every effort is being made to ensure the success of this project. The Chief Minister highlighted that this development would provide employment opportunities to the local population and put Jadung on the tourism map.
