The state government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the Subansiri Lower pondage into a world-class mountain-cum-river immersive tourism hub, combining ecotourism, adventure, culture, and sustainable livelihoods.
The 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, the largest hydroelectric project in India, located on the Subansiri River, is expected to be fully commissioned by December 2026, with four units already operational. The pondage created by the project is being seen as a major opportunity to build a high-value tourism ecosystem in one of the country’s most biodiverse river corridors.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking central support for the initiative. He has also requested technical collaboration from multiple ministries, including Tourism, Power, Jal Shakti, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and DoNER, advocating a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach.
The proposed tourism model will integrate ecotourism, adventure sports, cultural experiences, inland fisheries, and luxury river cruises. The initiative draws inspiration from globally renowned destinations such as Phewa Lake, Lake Como, and Milford Sound.
Khandu emphasised that local and tribal communities will play a central role as stakeholders and custodians of the region’s ecological and cultural heritage. The project is expected to generate over 2,500 jobs and attract more than 1.5 lakh tourists annually in the medium term, significantly boosting the state’s tourism-driven economy.
In the initial phase, the government will engage top planning agencies to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) in consultation with local communities.
The initiative is being viewed as a transformative step to integrate hydropower infrastructure with sustainable tourism and position Arunachal Pradesh as a premium global destination.
