BJP Leader Anil Baluni Takes Initiative to Revitalize Depopulated Villages in Uttarakhand
In a significant move to address rural depopulation, Lok Sabha MP and Bharatiya Janata Party's national media in-charge Anil Baluni has launched a dedicated campaign targeting the issue of 'ghost villages' in his constituency of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. According to Baluni, there are approximately 150 such villages in Pauri district alone, which have become largely uninhabited due to widespread migration to urban areas.
Campaign Focuses on Urban Outreach and Community Engagement
Baluni's strategy involves a multi-pronged approach, with a particular emphasis on engaging the urban population of Uttarakhand. Through video messages and public appeals, he is urging people to maintain connections with their ancestral villages. "We have to get rid of this stamp on our villages. All of you please see that you visit the village where your parents had their roots at least once in a while," Baluni emphasized in one of his communications.
The MP is leading by example, regularly visiting families who still reside in these depopulated villages and even celebrating personal milestones, such as his children's birthdays, with the local residents. This hands-on involvement aims to foster a sense of community and encourage others to follow suit.
Broader Implications for Rural Development and Cultural Preservation
The phenomenon of ghost villages highlights broader challenges related to rural development, economic opportunities, and cultural preservation in Uttarakhand. Baluni's campaign seeks to not only address the immediate issue of depopulation but also to promote sustainable development and revitalization of these areas.
- Approximately 150 villages in Pauri district are classified as ghost villages due to migration.
- Anil Baluni is actively engaging with urban residents to encourage visits to ancestral villages.
- The MP's personal involvement includes regular visits and community celebrations in these villages.
- The initiative aims to remove the stigma associated with ghost villages and promote rural connectivity.
This effort underscores the importance of grassroots initiatives in tackling migration-related challenges and preserving the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand's rural landscapes.
