Uttarkashi’s border village ‘Jadung’ to be revived after 1962 war; 23 families to get hill-style homes
Jadung village in Uttarkashi district, abandoned during the 1962 India-China War, will be repopulated under the Vibrant Villages initiative. The government plans to build hill-style homes for 23 families, boosting tourism, local culture, and employment opportunities in this historic border village.
Uttarkashi: The historic border village of Jadung, located near the Nelang Valley in Uttarkashi district, is set to come alive again. This village was evacuated during the 1962 India-China War and has remained empty for decades.
Now, under the central government’s Vibrant Villages initiative, Jadung will be repopulated and developed as a tourist destination.
Hill-style homes for families
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) has started construction of six houses in the first phase. In total, 23 families who originally belonged to Jadung will be given hill-style homes. These houses are being built to reflect the traditional architecture of the region, preserving local culture while providing modern amenities.
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal said that the return of the original inhabitants will not only repopulate the village but also boost tourism activities. The resettlement will help revive the local economy and showcase the unique heritage of Jadung to visitors.
Tourism Department plans to develop Jadung as a tourist village
The Tourism Department has taken the lead in developing Jadung as a tourist village. Plans include improving infrastructure, building roads, and providing facilities for tourists. The aim is to make Jadung a model border village where culture, tourism, and livelihood opportunities go hand in hand.
Tourists visiting Jadung will be able to experience traditional hill-style homes, local food, and the natural beauty of the Nelang Valley. The revival of Jadung is expected to attract adventure lovers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in rural tourism.
Jadung was abandoned after the 1962 India-China War
Jadung village in Uttarkashi was abandoned after the 1962 India-China War. Being a border settlement near the sensitive Nelang Valley, residents were evacuated for security reasons. The fear of conflict and military restrictions prevented families from returning, leaving the village deserted for decades. Its isolation and lack of infrastructure further discouraged resettlement until recent revival plans.
This development will create employment opportunities for the local population
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that this development will create employment opportunities for the local population and put Jadung firmly on the tourism map of Uttarakhand. He added that the Vibrant Villages initiative is not just about infrastructure but also about strengthening border communities and preserving their traditions.
Boost to local culture and economy
The resettlement of Jadung will revive the local culture, which had been fading since the village was abandoned. Traditional practices, festivals, and crafts will return as families settle back. At the same time, tourism will provide new income sources, ensuring that the village thrives both culturally and economically.