Indian Army Unveils Tent-Based Homestays in Garbyang to Enhance Border Security and Encourage Reverse Migration
The Indian Army has launched an initiative combining national security with local economic development by inaugurating tent-based homestays in Garbyang, a border village in Uttarakhand. Situated near the borders of China and Nepal, Garbyang is a significant entry point for pilgrims heading to Kailash-Mansarovar, Lipulekh Pass, Om Parvat, and Adi-Kailash.
The newly established accommodations have been officially transferred to the local village committee, which will oversee bookings to promote entrepreneurship and provide a sustainable income source for the residents. This initiative aims to encourage permanent settlement in this strategically sensitive border area, thereby enhancing security as local communities become logistical and intelligence-support partners for the armed forces.
Lieutenant General D.G. Mishra, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, led the inauguration, highlighting the strategic significance of the project. The initiative offers tourists affordable, quality lodging with an authentic Himalayan experience, while addressing the longstanding issue of out-migration from the mountains, which has implications for national security.
Lieutenant Colonel Manish Srivastava, Public Relations Officer for the Indian Army in Uttarakhand, emphasized that the initiative is part of a long-term plan for vibrant village tourism and sustainable development, aiming to enhance border security while bolstering the local economy.
