Itanagar, Nov 10 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday stressed the need to develop the reservoir of the 2,000-MW Subansiri Hydroelectric Project into a world-class tourist destination, with potential for luxury cruises, boating, water sports and eco-tourism.
Highlighting the region’s natural beauty and tourism potential in a social media post, Khandu said the reservoir, with nearly 45 km of backwaters and an expanse of around 40 sq km, offers a unique opportunity to combine nature, water-based recreation and local cultural heritage against the spectacular Himalayan landscape.
“Imagine boating, luxury yacht cruises, floating hospitality, water sports, adventure activities and eco-tourism set against the spectacular Himalayan landscape,” the chief minister said in a post on X.
During the day, the chief minister held a discussion with Raga MLA Rotom Tebin, the advisor to Hydropower Development Minister Ninong Ering and experts in tourism and adventure-destination development, exploring the reservoir’s hydro-tourism potential and identifying ways to turn the vast water body into a major tourism attraction.
“The Subansiri offers a unique convergence of nature, water and culture, including its rich local heritage and Golden Mahseer habitat,” Khandu said, underlining the importance of preserving the area’s ecological wealth while exploring new economic opportunities.
The chief minister’s vision builds on the state government’s broader proposal to transform the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project pondage into a mountain-cum-river immersive tourism destination, integrating eco-tourism, adventure, cultural experiences and sustainable livelihood opportunities. On March 28, Khandu undertook a high-speed boat journey covering approximately 45 km along the Subansiri river, from the 2,000-MW hydropower project site at Dollungmukh to the Sibe-Rite confluence in Kamle district.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyogyor, Ninong Ering and senior officials, he described the journey as a historic experience and an important step towards exploring the river’s tourism potential. The state government has already taken steps to advance the proposal by seeking support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and technical collaboration from the Union ministries of tourism, power, jal shakti, ports, shipping and waterways, and development of northeastern region, officials said.
The proposed tourism development framework envisages eco-friendly infrastructure, luxury river cruises, water sports, adventure activities, cultural and heritage tourism, inland fisheries and hospitality facilities. The plan also draws inspiration from established international destinations such as Phewa Lake in Nepal, Lake Como in Italy and Milford Sound in New Zealand.
According to the proposal, the initiative is expected to generate more than 2,500 employment opportunities, particularly for local youth, while targeting over 1.5 lakh tourists annually in the medium term.
A detailed project report is envisaged in the initial phase, with local communities playing a central role in planning and implementation.
The proposed initiative is expected to diversify the economic benefits of the Subansiri hydropower project beyond electricity generation and create fresh opportunities in tourism, hospitality, transport, fisheries and allied sectors, officials added.
