In a strategic initiative blending national security with local economic revival, the Indian Army has inaugurated tent-based homestays in the remote border village of Garbyang, Uttarakhand. Nestled near the frontiers of China and Nepal, Garbyang serves as a critical entry point for pilgrims traveling to Kailash-Mansarovar, Lipulekh Pass, Om Parvat, and Adi-Kailash.
The newly constructed facilities have been formally handed over to the local village committee, which will manage bookings, fostering entrepreneurship and providing a sustainable source of income for residents. The initiative is aimed at encouraging permanent habitation in this sensitive border region, reinforcing security by ensuring local communities act as logistical support and intelligence eyes for the armed forces.
The inauguration was led by Lieutenant General D.G. Mishra, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, underscoring the project’s strategic importance. Tourists will benefit from affordable, high-quality lodging that offers an authentic Himalayan experience, while the program seeks to reverse decades of out-migration from the mountains—a key concern for national security.
Lieutenant Colonel Manish Srivastava, PRO for the Indian Army in Uttarakhand, highlighted that the initiative is part of a long-term vision for vibrant village tourism and sustainable development, aiming to simultaneously strengthen border security and support the local economy.
