Dehradun: A heated debate has erupted in Uttarakhand over the proposal to rename the famous hill station Lansdowne as Jaswantgarh. The issue has divided locals, traders, and officials, sparking protests and nationwide attention.
On April 10, the Cantonment Board meeting passed a proposal to rename Lansdowne in honour of martyr Jaswant Singh Rawat, who sacrificed his life during the 1962 Indo-China war. Supporters argue that naming the hill station after him would be a fitting tribute to his bravery and enhance the area’s prestige.
Lansdowne was named after a British Viceroy of India
Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne (1845–1927), was a well-known British statesman. He served as the Viceroy of India from 1888 to 1894 and earlier as the Governor General of Canada from 1883 to 1888. When he was Viceroy, the hill station of Lansdowne in Uttarakhand was established in 1890. The town was named after him, and that is how it got its British-era name.
Protests in Lansdowne
However, the proposal has met strong opposition. Traders and business organisations in Lansdowne closed markets and staged protests, demanding that the name remain unchanged. They submitted a memorandum to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlighting that Lansdowne is already a well-known tourist destination nationally and internationally.
Opponents argue that instead of changing the name, the government should focus on development projects, better infrastructure, and tourism promotion. They fear that renaming could confuse visitors, reduce tourist arrivals, and harm local businesses.
Letter to CM Dhami
Earlier, residents sent a letter to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, supporting the renaming. They emphasized that Jaswant Singh Rawat’s sacrifice is remembered across India, and naming a prominent place after him would honor his legacy.
This has created a divide: one side demanding respect for soldiers through renaming, and the other insisting that heritage and tourism identity should not be compromised.
Social media debate
The issue has also sparked intense debate on social media. Many users support renaming as a patriotic gesture, while others warn that Lansdowne’s global recognition could be lost. Some posts highlight that tourists often choose Lansdowne for its colonial history and scenic charm, which could be overshadowed by a new name.
Historical importance of Lansdowne
Lansdowne, located in Pauri Garhwal district, was established as a cantonment town during British rule. Known for its pine forests, colonial-era buildings, and peaceful environment, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Its identity as a hill station has been built over decades, making the renaming debate even more sensitive.