A USD 126M Boost: India, ADB Partner for Eco-Tourism in Uttarakhand

India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a USD 126.42 million financing agreement to support sustainable tourism and rural development in the Tehri Lake region of Uttarakhand.

The project will benefit over 87,000 residents and enhance the experience of approximately 2.7 million annual visitors by improving tourism infrastructure, sanitation, waste management, and disaster resilience. Focused on Tehri Garhwal District—one of Uttarakhand’s most climate-vulnerable and economically challenged regions—the initiative aligns with the state’s strategy to promote all-weather, diversified tourism. Tehri Lake has been earmarked as a key development zone.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the program emphasizes inclusive tourism by empowering women, youth, and private sector stakeholders. ADB noted that the project is envisioned as a model for sustainable tourism around a hydropower reservoir, adopting a multi-sectoral approach to drive employment, income diversification, and climate resilience through eco-friendly infrastructure and nature-based disaster mitigation.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.