Ladakh Model Border Village foundation stone laid at Chumur

CHUMUR, June 3, 2026 — Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena laid the foundation stone of the first Model Border Village of Ladakh at Chumur under the Vibrant Village Program in the Changthang district of Eastern Ladakh.

The ceremony was marked by vibrant cultural celebrations from hundreds of local citizens, youth, and senior citizens, reflecting the spirit and community support for the project. The Vibrant Village Program aims to create self-reliant, climate-resilient, tourism-enabled, and economically vibrant border villages in the high-altitude frontier regions of India.

Located at an altitude of 16,700 feet along the Indo-China border, Chumur consists of 24 households with a population of 91 residents, all of whom are engaged in Pashmina rearing and production. Chumur is one of 10 villages selected to be developed in Ladakh during the first phase of the program.

The development will focus on modern infrastructure, employment and livelihood creation, tourism promotion, all-weather functionality, and civilian-defense integration.Under the project, 24 modern, climate-resilient houses featuring thermally insulated walls will be constructed for the residents of Chumur.

Each home will include an additional room designed for homestay services to enhance local livelihoods. These houses are scheduled for completion by September 2026, depending on regional weather conditions.

Special emphasis will be placed on promoting Pashmina products and local handicrafts to foster self-reliance among villagers and reverse migration from border areas.

The initiative is designed to transcend conventional development by enhancing national security, stability, and resilience through strengthened border settlements.