Dehradun: In a significant step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘One State One Global Destination’, the Uttarakhand government is accelerating efforts to develop the Tehri Lake region as a premier international tourist destination.

Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting with officials from various departments and directed the preparation of a comprehensive master plan for developing Tehri Lake Ring Road and its surrounding areas as a global tourism hub. The Tehri Special Area Development Authority (TADA) will function as the Destination Management Organization (DMO) for the entire project.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that a complete and holistic development plan should be prepared for the Tehri Lake area. The plan must include the construction of the Tehri Lake Ring Road, iconic bridges, lush green pedestrian pathways, adventure tourism zones, wellness centres, eco-parks, and multiple natural viewpoint areas. While implementation can be done in phases, the overall master plan should be prepared in its entirety at once.

Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Garbyal made a detailed presentation during the meeting and briefed the Chief Secretary on the progress and vision of the project. He highlighted that the Tehri Lake region will be developed as an integrated destination offering adventure, wellness, eco-tourism, and spiritual experiences.

Major Highlights of the Master Plan:

• Tehri Lake Ring Road: This will serve as the backbone of the project. The ring road will provide seamless connectivity around the lake. Road widening, beautification, and exploration of new route possibilities have been prioritized. End-to-end connectivity from major cities and airports will be strengthened.
• Iconic Bridges and Pedestrian Infrastructure: Construction of iconic bridges will be designed keeping in view future seaplane operations. Beautiful green pedestrian trails, viewing decks, and rest areas will be developed to enhance visitor experience.
• Water Sports and Waterfront Development: Waterdrome and waterports will be developed on the lake. Facilities for shikara rides, cruise boats, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, flyboarding, and other adventure water sports will be expanded.
• Heliport Development: The existing helipad near Dobrachanti Bridge will be upgraded into a full-fledged heliport. Additional helipads are also proposed along the ring road.
• Eco-Parks and Wellness Centres: Multiple eco-parks, wellness and yoga centres, and natural viewpoint zones will be developed while maintaining the pristine beauty of the area.

The Chief Secretary laid special emphasis on site-specific construction so that green cover and natural aesthetics of the Himalayan landscape are preserved. He instructed all departments to work in close coordination for timely and quality execution of the project.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Funding

The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan of approximately USD 126.42 million (around ₹1,050 crore) for the sustainable tourism development of the Tehri Lake region. This funding will support climate-resilient infrastructure, waste management, sanitation, skill development, and disaster preparedness. The project is expected to directly benefit around 87,000 local residents and improve services for over 27 lakh annual visitors.

Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Garbyal stated that the development will seamlessly blend modern tourism infrastructure with local culture, traditional Garhwali architecture, and environmental conservation. He assured that local communities will be actively involved through home-stays, skill training, and tourism-related enterprises.

“Tehri Lake will not only become Uttarakhand’s flagship global destination but will also set new benchmarks in sustainable and responsible tourism,” Garbyal added.

The government is focusing on improving road connectivity from Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Possibilities of new tourism circuits, ropeways (including the proposed Koti Colony–New Tehri ropeway), and better last-mile connectivity are being explored aggressively.

All development will follow strict environmental guidelines. Emphasis has been placed on carrying capacity assessment, waste management systems, sewage treatment, and climate-resilient designs. The plan aims to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local youth.