Agartala: Mar 27: The Tripura government has proposed a comprehensive ₹145.71 crore project to rejuvenate the Howrah River, a key water resource for the state. Submitted to the Ministry of Jal Shakti on December 8, 2020, the proposal aims at dredging and restoring the river, which has suffered from pollution and unchecked human activities over the years. Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha shared the update during the fifth day of the Tripura Legislative Assembly’s budget session, revealing that the project is currently undergoing techno-economic evaluation and feasibility studies, with support from Agartala Smart City Limited.
The Howrah River, which stretches 61.20 kilometers—52 of which lie within India and the rest in Bangladesh—serves as one of the state’s ten major rivers. The river basin covers an extensive 488 square kilometers, but its water-holding capacity has diminished significantly due to pollution and environmental degradation. This has led to frequent flooding, particularly in Agartala, disrupting daily life and posing a challenge to urban planning.
In response, the Public Works Department (Water Resource Division) has proposed a ₹248 crore project under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode to strengthen embankments, floodwalls, and other protective infrastructure along a 9.33-kilometer stretch of the river. Short-term measures, including the removal of silt and debris, are already underway and are expected to be completed within six months.
Chief Minister Saha emphasized the need for public cooperation in preserving the river’s health, urging citizens to refrain from dumping waste into the water and to assist in clearing illegal encroachments. The state government is now awaiting approval from the Ministry of Jal Shakti to initiate large-scale dredging and restoration activities aimed at improving flood management and reviving the river’s ecological health.
