The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed a loan agreement worth USD 126.42 million to promote sustainable, climate-resilient tourism in Uttarakhand, with a special focus on the Tehri Lake region in Tehri Garhwal district. The agreement was signed by Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India, and Mr. Kai Wei Yeo, Officer-in-Charge, India Resident Mission, ADB.
The project aims to strengthen Uttarakhand’s position as a year-round tourism destination while ensuring inclusive growth and resilience against climate risks. Investments will be directed towards improving tourism infrastructure, sanitation and waste management systems, disaster preparedness, and institutional capacities. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Mukherjee said, “This partnership with ADB reflects the Government of India’s commitment to promoting sustainable rural development by leveraging the tourism potential of Uttarakhand, while ensuring climate resilience and livelihood opportunities for local communities.”
The project is expected to directly benefit more than 87,000 local residents and enhance the tourism experience for an estimated 2.7 million annual visitors. It will also promote inclusive participation through women-led disaster risk management initiatives, livelihood support for youth and MSMEs, and universal access design for persons with disabilities.
Additionally, the program will support climate-resilient infrastructure development and introduce nature-based solutions to mitigate risks from floods and landslides, thereby safeguarding both visitors and host communities. ADB will also provide technical assistance of USD 1 million to strengthen capacity in sustainable tourism management.
Mr. Yeo stated, “ADB is proud to support the Government of India’s vision for sustainable and inclusive tourism development in Uttarakhand. This initiative will not only enhance visitor experience but also create resilient livelihoods for local communities in one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of the country.”
The loan agreement marks an important milestone in advancing Viksit Bharat’s goals of sustainable growth, rural prosperity, and resilience against climate change, while positioning Uttarakhand as a model for eco-friendly tourism development in India.