Underground smart classrooms to double as emergency bunkers in Jaisalmer’s border villages under Vibrant Village Programme-II

JAISALMER: Under the Union Home Ministry’s Vibrant Village Programme-II, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving basic amenities, and enhancing the quality of life in Rajasthan’s border districts, underground smart classrooms are being planned for the first time in 30 border villages of Jaisalmer.

These facilities will serve a dual purpose, functioning as modern digital classrooms during normal times and as emergency bunkers during crises.

The need for such protective infrastructure was strongly felt during Operation Sindoor last year, when emergency situations highlighted the lack of adequate bunker facilities in border villages. Taking this into account, the Jaisalmer district administration has proposed the construction of underground bunker-cum-smart classrooms.

In addition, under the Chief Minister’s Thar Border Development Programme, approval has been granted for the construction of two strategic roads in border areas. The requirement for these roads was identified during Operation Sindoor, when the Army experienced difficulties in moving strategic resources and conducting operations. Based on military recommendations, the district administration has incorporated these projects into the development plan.

30 Border Villages Selected in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer District Collector Anupama Jorwal stated that 30 villages located along the India–Pakistan international border have been selected under Vibrant Village Programme-II. The scheme aims to improve roads, electricity, drinking water, healthcare, education, 4G mobile connectivity, television access, and employment opportunities.

Each village can receive development projects worth up to ₹3 crore. The Zila Parishad has already collected proposals from various departments, with projects worth around ₹90 lakh per village currently under consideration.

These include smart classrooms, digital connectivity initiatives, and tourism-related projects. The developments are expected to create local employment opportunities and strengthen rural economies.
Smart Classrooms Designed as Emergency Bunkers

The District Collector explained that proposals have been submitted for underground smart classrooms in all 30 selected villages. In the event of emergencies, these facilities can be used by villagers as protective bunkers. The concept emerged directly from experiences during Operation Sindoor, when the need for such infrastructure became evident.

Strategic Roads Approved for Border Areas

According to the Collector, two road projects have been approved under the Chief Minister’s Thar Border Development Programme. These roads are being planned in response to operational requirements identified by the Army during Operation Sindoor, ensuring faster movement of personnel and strategic resources in border regions.

Prime Minister’s Vision for Border Villages

The Vibrant Village Programme is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that border villages should be viewed not as the country’s last villages, but as its first villages. The initiative seeks to connect historically neglected border regions with modern infrastructure and essential services. Under the programme, up to ₹3 crore per village is allocated annually for development projects and infrastructure saturation.

Villages Covered Under the Programme

Following a review meeting, Chief Executive Officer Rashmi Rani said that 30 villages from the border panchayat samitis of Mohangarh, Nachna, and Sam have been included. The objective is to improve living standards, expand infrastructure, and make border villages self-reliant and economically vibrant.

Of the 30 villages, 26 are located in the Sam block, while Bharewala in Nachna block and Shastrinagar, Bahla, and Bhutowala in Mohangarh block have also been selected. Development plans will be tailored to the specific needs of each village.

The 26 villages selected from Sam block include Kishangarh, Tejpala, Tanot, Sadhewala, Ratadau, Bachhiya Chhor, Liloi, Pirau, Ganeshiya, Harnau, Dhanana, Mithrau Khara, Myajlar, Lunar, Gunjangarh, Pochina, Badda, Ghotaru, Longewala, Kolutala, Gamnewala, Mukne Ka Tala, Gajuon Ki Basti, Kerala, Karda, and Binjraj Ka Tala.

Barmer Selects 36 Strategic Villages

Barmer District Collector Chinmayi Gopal said that 36 villages in the district have been selected under Vibrant Village Programme-II for large-scale infrastructure and livelihood development.
Projects focus on strengthening roads, communication networks, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in border areas. As an innovation, the district has proposed the development of sports grounds to identify and nurture hidden sporting talent in rural regions.

Statewide Expansion Across Five Border Districts

The Rajasthan Government is preparing to launch large-scale infrastructure and livelihood projects under Vibrant Village Programme-II in 184 strategic villages across five border districts:
Sri Ganganagar – 68 villages
Bikaner – 46 villages
Barmer – 36 villages
Jaisalmer – 30 villages
Phalodi – 4 villages
So far, 515 development projects worth over ₹232 crore have been proposed in 123 villages.

The state government also plans to ensure all-weather roads, telecommunications, television connectivity, and grid-based electricity supply in 3,195 villages located within border blocks.

Additionally, under the Chief Minister’s Thar Border Development Programme, ₹150 crore has been earmarked annually for the development of 1,206 villages across the five border districts. For the financial year 2025–26, more than 1,000 development projects worth ₹137 crore related to electricity, water supply, education, healthcare, agriculture, animal husbandry, sports, and tourism have already been approved.