In a big boost for rural tourism in Uttarakhand, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Indian government have inked a $126.42 million loan deal. This funding will transform the stunning Tehri Lake region into a sustainable, climate-resilient hotspot, as announced by the Finance Ministry on Thursday.
The initiative aligns perfectly with Uttarakhand’s vision to become a year-round tourism destination, putting Tehri Lake front and center. Tehri Garhwal district, one of the state’s most vulnerable spots to climate change and economic challenges, stands to gain the most. Over 87,000 locals and 2.7 million tourists visiting each year will benefit from smarter tourism plans, better infrastructure, improved sanitation, waste management, and stronger disaster readiness.
Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, and Kai Wei Yeo, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signed the agreement for the ‘Sustainable, Inclusive, and Climate-Resilient Tourism Development at Tehri Lake Area Project’.
“This ADB loan backs Uttarakhand’s push to diversify its tourism appeal, with Tehri Lake as a key focus area,” Mukherjee said after the signing.
Yeo highlighted the project’s innovative edge: “It sets a strong example for sustainable tourism around a hydropower lake, using a multi-sector strategy to create jobs, boost incomes, and strengthen climate resilience.”
The project packs in exciting elements like building stronger institutions, climate-proof infrastructure, and nature-based solutions to tackle landslides and floods. It also emphasizes inclusive services driven by women, youth, and private players. Standout features include a special grant program to match livelihoods for women-led, youth-led, and small business tourism ventures; designs that ensure access for people with disabilities; and women-led efforts for disaster risk management in select villages.
This builds on ADB’s earlier work in Uttarakhand’s tourism scene and across India. Centered on a massive operational hydropower lake, the project will add to global know-how on blending rural tourism with hydropower zoning for land and water use. It’s all about making tourism greener and more inclusive for everyone.
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