September 12, 2025
NEW DELHI – The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a USD 126.42 million loan agreement to promote rural development through sustainable and climate-resilient tourism in Tehri lake region of Uttarakhand.
Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance was the signatory authority for the Government of India, and Kai Wei Yeo, Officer-in-Charge, India Resident Mission, represented ADB.
The project targets the Tehri Garhwal District, one of Uttarakhand’s most climate-vulnerable and economically disadvantaged regions.
It aims to benefit over 87,000 residents and 2.7 million annual visitors through improved tourism planning, upgraded infrastructure, enhanced sanitation and waste management, and disaster preparedness.
Key interventions include institutional strengthening, climate-resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions to mitigate landslide and flood risks, and inclusive tourism services led by women, youth, and the private sector.
After signing the loan agreement, Juhi Mukherjee said, “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.”
Kai Wei Yeo highlighted, “The project showcases a model for sustainable tourism anchored around a hydropower lake by adopting a multi sector approach to generate jobs, diversify income, and build climate resilience.”
Notable features include a livelihood matching grant program to support tourism led by women, youth, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, universal access design including for persons with disability, and a women-led disaster risk management initiative in pilot villages.