Project Himank

Project Himank Latest News

A rare sighting of the elusive snow leopard recorded by Project Himank in the High Himalayas recently, has drawn attention to successful conservation efforts alongside infrastructure development in the region.

About Project Himank

• It is a project of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) in the Ladakh region of India, which started in 1985. 
• Objective: Development of road communication in the Ladakh region.
• The “Mountain Tamers” as they are called, have been instrumental in creating and maintaining roads and airfields in the most inhospitable terrain and are presently the custodians of approx. 2216.24 km of roads in Ladakh. 
• The entire area of responsibility of the project falls in high altitude with challenging working conditions and a limited working season.
• The Project ensures the maintenance of communication and access to strategic areas close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
• It is known for building some of the most motorable roads in the highlands of the world through Khardung La, Tanglang La, Chang La, and Mig La passes.
  • At 19,400 ft, Mig La Pass is the highest motorable road in the world.

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Key Facts about Border Roads Organization (BRO)

• It is a road construction executive force in India that provides support to the Indian Armed Forces.
• BRO was entirely brought under the Ministry of Defence in 2015.
• Establishment: It was formed on 7 May 1960 to secure India’s borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and northeastern states of the country.
• It develops and maintains road networks in India’s border areas and friendly neighboring countries.
  • This includes infrastructure operations in 19 states and three union territories (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan, and Sri Lanka.
  • BRO specialises in constructing and maintaining Roads, Bridges, Tunnels, Airfields and Marine Works across some of the world’s most challenging terrains.
• The BRO also has an operational role during national emergencies and the outbreak of hostilities, when it provides direct support to the Army in the maintenance of roads in the forward zones and executes other functions specified by the government.
• It also provides the workforce for the rehabilitation of certain forward airfields of the Indian Air Force during operations.
• BRO is also included in the Order of Battle of the Armed Forces, ensuring their support at any time.
• In order to ensure coordination and expeditious execution of projects, the Government of India set up the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) with the Prime Minister as Chairman of the Board and the Defence Minister as Deputy Chairman.
• Motto: Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam (everything is achievable through hard work).

Source: TOI