India, ADB Sign $126.4 Million Agreement to Promote Climate-Resilient Tourism in Uttarakhand
Project aims to boost sustainable tourism, climate resilience, and livelihoods in Tehri Lake region
New Delhi/Uttarakhand, Sept 11: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a USD 126.42 million loan agreement to promote sustainable and climate-resilient tourism in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal District. The initiative focuses on enhancing rural development, disaster preparedness, and inclusive tourism services in one of the state’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, represented India, while Kai Wei Yeo, Officer-in-Charge, India Resident Mission, signed for ADB. The project is expected to benefit over 87,000 local residents and 2.7 million annual visitors by improving tourism planning, upgrading infrastructure, and strengthening sanitation and waste management systems.
Key interventions include institutional capacity building, climate-resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions to mitigate flood and landslide risks, and inclusive tourism initiatives led by women, youth, and the private sector.
Juhi Mukherjee said, “The ADB loan supports Uttarakhand’s policy to develop Tehri Lake as a diversified, all-weather tourism destination.” Kai Wei Yeo added, “This project demonstrates a multi-sector approach to generate jobs, diversify income, and build climate resilience in the region.”
The project also features livelihood support grants for women and youth-led tourism enterprises, universal accessibility designs, and a women-led disaster risk management program in pilot villages.
