Description

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Context:

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app aiming to boost battlefield tourism in the country during the 77th Army Day celebrations, in Pune, Maharashtra.

About Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan

Aspect	Details
Developing Authority	Ministry of Defense in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism.
Objective	Promote connectivity, tourism, and socio-economic development in border regions while preserving operational readiness.
Features	Details of battlefields and border areas.
	Virtual tours, historical stories, and interactive content.
	Highlighted under the Incredible India campaign by the Ministry of Tourism.
	Provides a one-stop solution for trip planning, including permit applications for restricted locations.
Key Locations	Galwan Valley (Ladakh).
	Doklam (Triangle of India, Bhutan, and China).
	75 other forward locations along the borders with China (LAC) and Pakistan (LoC).
Historical Context	Sites of past military actions, including the 1962 war with China, the 1967 Nathu La clashes in Sikkim, and the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War (e.g., Battle of Longewala).
Western Border	Battle of Longewala, a major engagement of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, located at a border post in the Thar Desert.

Impact

The goal of the initiative is to support socioeconomic development in border regions by supporting tourism.
The app simplifies travel planning including obtaining permits to visit these strategic locations.
The Indian Army in collaboration with local authorities ensures the operational readiness of these areas while facilitating visitor access.
This initiative offers visitors an immersive experience that allows them to better understand the challenges faced by soldiers in these challenging terrains and fosters a deeper appreciation of military heritage of India.

About Doklam

Doklam is also known as Donglong area in the Sikkim sector. China was building a motorable road from Dokola towards the Bhutan military camp.
It affects the border between the two countries. Bhutan has asked Beijing to restore the status quo by stopping work. Donglong is an area of three junctions near the Chumbi Valley.
It is controlled by China; However, Bhutan claims sovereignty over the area.
The two sides made written agreements in 1988 and 1998 that both sides agreed to maintain peace in their border areas until the border issue was finally resolved.
It was also decided to maintain the status quo on the border as before March 1959.

Source:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan is an initiative aimed at promoting battlefield tourism and exploring India's war history. How does this initiative contribute to the preservation of India's military heritage and its integration into tourism? (250 words)