Amit Shah to Launch Vibrant Village Program 2.0 in Natanpur Border Village
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Natanpur, a village situated along the India-Bangladesh border in the Katigorah assembly constituency, on February 21. The purpose of his visit is to inaugurate the Vibrant Village Program 2.0 (VVP 2.0), a significant initiative aimed at enhancing border region development.
Preparations Underway for High-Profile Visit
In anticipation of Shah's arrival, a high-level team led by Minister Kaushik Rai conducted a thorough inspection of the village on Thursday. The team included Cachar District Commissioner Ayush Garg, Superintendent of Police Partha Pratim Das, and top officials from the Border Security Force (BSF). Their visit focused on assessing the progress of logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth event.
According to official sources, two temporary helipads are being constructed to facilitate Shah's arrival by air. The main event venue and stage are being set up with strict adherence to international border laws, maintaining the mandatory distance from the barbed-wire fencing that demarcates the border. Additionally, the road connecting Kushiarkul market to the border area is currently undergoing renovation to guarantee seamless connectivity for the event and future use.
Focus on Holistic Border Development
The Vibrant Village Program is designed to promote the holistic development of border regions across India. Its primary objectives include:
- Providing modern amenities to residents
- Improving road infrastructure for better accessibility
- Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities to curb migration from these areas
The launch of the second phase from the Cachar border underscores the Central government's commitment to strengthening the eastern frontier, addressing both developmental and security concerns.
Political and Diplomatic Significance
Shah's visit carries substantial political and diplomatic weight, occurring ahead of upcoming elections and amid evolving geopolitical relations with Bangladesh. His presence at the zero point of the border is expected to send a strong message regarding national security and border management, highlighting the government's proactive stance on frontier issues.
This initiative not only aims to boost local economies but also reinforces India's strategic interests in border areas, fostering stability and growth in regions that have historically faced neglect.
