The Tehri Lake region in Uttarakhand is set to undergo a major transformation into a world-class tourism destination, with new projects focused on sustainable infrastructure, community participation, and climate resilience. The initiative aims to turn Tehri into a hub that attracts visitors year-round while also boosting livelihoods for local residents.
The Government of India, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has secured a $126.42 million loan to transform the Tehri Lake region of Uttarakhand into a model of sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient rural tourism. The project, formally titled “Sustainable, Inclusive, and Climate-Resilient Tourism Development at Tehri Lake Area”, targets infrastructure upgrades, environmental safeguards, and enhanced livelihoods for local communities.
The project’s impact zone is Tehri Garhwal, one of Uttarakhand’s more climate-vulnerable and economically underdeveloped districts. Over 87,000 residents are expected to benefit directly, while tourists visiting the region—numbering some 2.7 million annually—will see improved facilities, amenities, and safety measures. The agreement also includes $1 million in technical assistance from ADB.
Key features of the project include improved water supply, sanitation, waste management, and disaster risk management infrastructure. It will emphasize climate-adaptive measures such as nature-based solutions for landslide and flood risk mitigation. Inclusive tourism services, including grants for women, youth, and MSMEs, along with universal access design for persons with disabilities, are integral parts of the plan.
Officials emphasized the project aligns with Uttarakhand’s strategic goal of positioning the state as an all-weather tourism destination. Through this loan, the state aims to reduce the seasonality of tourism, diversify income sources for rural populations, and strengthen resilience against climate shocks. The lake’s hydropower infrastructure is also being incorporated in planning, ensuring opportunities for tourism do not conflict with energy generation or environmental conservation.
The timeline for implementation includes phased infrastructure works, community engagement efforts, capacity building, and enhancement of regulatory frameworks. Officials have stated that projects will be monitored for sustainability and inclusiveness, with pilot programs for women-led disaster management in villages prone to natural hazards.
While the announcement brings promise, experts say the challenge will be in execution—ensuring contractors adhere to quality, that local communities are involved meaningfully, and that environmental safeguards are strictly enforced. Given the mountainous terrain and ecological sensitivity of the area, even small missteps could undermine both ecological balance and tourism potential.
