The initiative, titled the Sustainable, Inclusive, and Climate-Resilient Tourism Development at Tehri Lake Area Project, aims to transform rural livelihoods in Tehri Garhwal District by balancing tourism growth with ecological protection and community resilience.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $126.42 million loan along with $1 million in technical assistance to promote sustainable and climate-resilient tourism in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Lake area, one of the state’s most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged regions.
The initiative, titled the Sustainable, Inclusive, and Climate-Resilient Tourism Development at Tehri Lake Area Project, aims to transform rural livelihoods in Tehri Garhwal District by balancing tourism growth with ecological protection and community resilience.
Tehri Garhwal, situated in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, is increasingly exposed to natural hazards including landslides, drought, fire, and floods. The district also faces high rates of out-migration, largely due to limited economic opportunities, even as tourist arrivals surge each year. The project aligns with ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy 2023–2027 for India, which emphasizes rural development, private sector participation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
“As a key development partner in India’s tourism sector, ADB is proud to support this transformative project, which showcases a model for sustainable tourism centred around a hydropower lake,” said ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka. “The project aims to benefit more than 87,000 residents and 2.7 million visitors annually through improved tourism planning, new visitor facilities, upgraded sanitation and solid waste management, and disaster preparedness.”
The Tehri Lake is a large, man-made reservoir in the Gharwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand created by the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River. It is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering activities like boating, jet skiing, paragliding, and water zorbing, alongside stunning natural scenery and views of the surrounding mountains. The reservoir also features floating huts and offers access to the Dobra-Chanti suspension bridge.
Multisector Approach
The project will adopt a comprehensive approach, combining institutional strengthening with infrastructure development and livelihood promotion. Key interventions include:
- Transport and basic infrastructure: Enhancing road connectivity, water supply, sanitation, and waste management systems to support visitors and residents alike.
- Tourism services: Expanding recreation facilities and tourism-related enterprises, with special focus on women, youth, and the private sector.
- Climate resilience: Applying nature-based solutions such as slope stabilization and ecosystem restoration to mitigate risks from landslides and floods.
In addition, a livelihood matching grant program will be launched to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in tourism, particularly those led by women and youth.
Inclusive and Community-Centred Development
The project is designed with universal access features, ensuring that persons with disabilities can also benefit from new facilities. A women-led disaster risk management program will be piloted in villages highly exposed to landslides, drought, and fire, empowering local communities to respond effectively to climate hazards.
By promoting local entrepreneurship, improving infrastructure, and integrating disaster preparedness, the initiative seeks to diversify incomes in Tehri Garhwal and reduce dependency on outmigration. The multisector design also highlights the importance of linking ecological conservation with economic opportunities in vulnerable hill regions.
ADB’s Regional Role
ADB, established in 1966, is owned by 69 members, including 50 from Asia and the Pacific. It has been a key development partner in India, supporting infrastructure, renewable energy, and social sector reforms. The Tehri Lake tourism project reflects ADB’s broader commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient growth across Asia.
With its focus on green infrastructure, gender empowerment, and resilient livelihoods, the project is expected to serve as a model for other Himalayan states seeking to harness tourism for sustainable rural development.
