India's First Model Border Village is Here, Why Chumur is Making Headlines?

India has launched its first Model Border Village project at Chumur in Ladakh. It is a remote location in the eastern Ladakh located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. It is situated at an altitude of the 16,700 feet and Chumur has been selected under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) to become the self-reliant, climate-resilient and economically vibrant frontier village.

Chumur Becomes India’s First Model Border Village

The foundation stone for the Model Border Village project was laid by the Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on 3rd June 2026.

It is located in the Changthang region of Ladakh, and Chumur is among India’s highest and most remote inhabited settlements.

This village has become the first settlement in Ladakh to be selected under the Vibrant Village Program, marking an important milestone in India’s frontier development strategy.

The project aims to transform the village into a model for sustainable and resilient development in the high-altitude border areas.

Where is Chumur Located?

Chumur village is situated in eastern Ladakh, and it is close to the India-China border.

Key Facts About Chumur

Situated at the 16,700 feet above sea level
It comes in the Changthang region in Ladakh
Around 91 residents are living there
Total 24 Households in that village
It is near the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

The strategic location of Chumur makes it self as the one of the frontier settlements. Despite its small population it plays the crucial role in maintaining civilian presence in a sensitive border region.

What is the Model Border Village Project?

The Model Border Village initiative is designed to create the comprehensive development ecosystem in the remote frontier regions. This project seeks to move beyond the traditional infrastructure development by focusing on to the housing, livelihoods, tourism and community resilience.

Major Objectives