Asian Development Bank Supports Climate-Resilient Tourism In Uttarakhand With $126 Million Loan To Indian Government

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $126.42 million loan agreement with the Government of India to boost sustainable and climate-resilient tourism in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Lake region.

The deal was formalised on Wednesday (10 September) in New Delhi by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, and Kai Wei Yeo, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission.

“The ADB loan supports the Government of Uttarakhand’s policy to position the state as a diversified, all-weather tourism destination, with Tehri Lake identified as a priority area for development,” Mukherjee said.

Yeo added that “the project showcases a model for sustainable tourism anchored around a hydropower lake by adopting a multisector approach to generate jobs, diversify income, and build climate resilience.”

The project focuses on Tehri Garhwal, one of Uttarakhand’s most climate-vulnerable and economically disadvantaged districts.

It is expected to benefit more than 87,000 residents and around 2.7 million annual visitors by strengthening tourism planning, upgrading infrastructure, improving sanitation and waste management, and enhancing disaster preparedness.

Among its planned interventions are institutional capacity-building, climate-resilient infrastructure, and nature-based solutions to reduce landslide and flood risks.

The project also emphasises inclusivity, with a livelihood matching grant programme to encourage tourism initiatives led by women, young people, and small businesses.

Other highlights include universal design features to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, as well as a women-led disaster risk management initiative in pilot villages.

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