Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has pitched a plan to develop the reservoir of the 2,000-MW Subansiri Lower 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, Khandu said the reservoir, with nearly 45 km of backwaters and an expanse of around 40 sq km, offers a rare chance to combine nature, water-based recreation and local cultural heritage against a spectacular Himalayan landscape.
A reservoir with room to dream
The Subansiri offers a unique convergence of nature, water and culture, including its rich local heritage and Golden Mahseer habitat. The state government’s broader proposal is to transform the project’s pondage into a mountain-cum-river immersive tourism destination, integrating eco-tourism, adventure, cultural experiences and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Khandu has already tested the waters himself, undertaking a high-speed boat journey of around 45 km along the Subansiri river, from the hydropower project site at Dollungmukh to the Sibe-Rite confluence in Kamle district.
What the plan includes
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 draws inspiration from established international destinations such as Phewa Lake in Nepal, Lake Como in Italy and Milford Sound in New Zealand.
The state government has already taken steps to advance the proposal by seeking support from the Prime Minister and technical collaboration from the Union ministries of tourism, power, jal shakti, ports, shipping and waterways, and development of the northeastern region.
Jobs and visitors at the centre
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 proposal 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. The chief minister has been in dialogue with communities over hydropower plans in the state, even as opposition to the proposed Siang dam continues with a long protest march. Arunachal’s tourism push also extends to lesser-known spots such as Nimok Pung, described as a hidden gem for visitors.
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