Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has sought the Centre’s support to develop the reservoir of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project into a world-class mountain and river tourism destination, officials said on Friday.
In a communication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khandu proposed transforming the pondage area of the 2,000-MW project into a comprehensive tourism hub integrating ecotourism, adventure activities, cultural experiences and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Located on the Subansiri River, the project is the largest hydroelectric facility in the country. Four of its generating units are already operational, with full commissioning expected by December 2026. The state government sees the reservoir created by the project as a key opportunity to build a premium tourism ecosystem in an ecologically rich river corridor.
Khandu has also sought technical collaboration from multiple central ministries, including those dealing with tourism, power, water resources, shipping and development of the Northeast, calling for a coordinated approach to implement the proposal.
According to the plan, the project will feature nature-based ecotourism, water sports and adventure activities, alongside cultural and heritage attractions. It also proposes inland fisheries, luxury river cruises and other water-based recreational initiatives aimed at attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Also read: Arunachal govt plans tourism hub at Subansiri Lower pondage
Officials said the model draws inspiration from globally recognised destinations such as Phewa Lake, Lake Como and Milford Sound, with a focus on sustainability and community participation.
The Chief Minister has emphasised that indigenous communities will be central to the project, acting as stakeholders and beneficiaries while helping preserve the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.
The initiative is expected to generate more than 2,500 jobs, particularly for local youth, and attract over 1.5 lakh tourists annually in the medium term, providing a boost to the state’s tourism-driven economy.
As part of the first phase, the government plans to appoint design and planning agencies to prepare a detailed project report outlining financial projections and implementation strategies. Officials said consultations with local communities would form a key part of the process.
The proposal follows a recent high-speed river expedition undertaken by Khandu along a 45-km stretch of the Subansiri River, which he described as part of a broader effort to link hydropower development with tourism potential.
The initiative is being positioned as a step towards leveraging infrastructure projects for sustainable tourism while enhancing Arunachal Pradesh’s profile as a high-value destination.
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