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

• Climate-resilient housing
• Livelihood enhancement
• Tourism promotion
• Economic self-reliance
• Community development
• Reduction in migration

The initiative is also expected to serve as the blueprint for the similar projects in other border regions of India.

Understanding the Vibrant Village Programme

The Model Border Village project is set to be implemented under the Vibrant Village Programme.

It was launched in the year 2023, the program aims to focuses on improving the quality of life in villages located along India’s northern borders.

Key Objectives of VVP

• Infrastructure development
• Housing improvement
• Livelihood promotion
• Tourism development
• Connectivity enhancement
• Community empowerment

The programme seeks to ensure that the border villages become attractive places to live and work rather than the regions affected by outmigration.