Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” app on January 15, as part of the Army Day celebrations. This app, developed collaboratively by the Ministries of Defence and Tourism, along with the Indian Army, aims to provide tourists with access to significant historical and military locations across India.
Key Features of the App:
- Historical War Locations: Tourists can explore sites related to pivotal conflicts, including:
- The 1962 India-China War (e.g., Rezang-La in Ladakh, Kibithoo and Bum-La in Arunachal Pradesh).
- The 1971 India-Pakistan War.
- The 1999 Kargil War (e.g., Kargil, Batalik, and Drass).
- Notable Conflict Sites:
- The Galwan Valley site of the 2020 clash.
- Doklam, the location of the 73-day standoff with China in 2017.
- Siachen Base Camp: Tourists can visit the base camp of the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen, though venturing further is limited due to the extreme conditions and challenges in acclimatisation.
Objectives of the Initiative:
- Cultural and Historical Awareness: To allow citizens to gain insight into the significant battles fought in India’s military history.
- Tourism Development: By opening up forward locations, the app aims to boost tourism in remote areas.
- Experience the Terrain: While operational areas remain off-limits, the initiative seeks to provide a realistic understanding of the challenges soldiers face in hostile terrains and climates.
