Agartala, July 12: The Tripura government has initiated two major long-term infrastructure proposals for Agartala—a ₹1,000-crore flood protection project and an ambitious river-linking plan to bring surface water from the Gomati River to the state capital—to strengthen flood resilience and ensure sustainable drinking water supply.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha speaking to reporters in the sidelines of inaugurating a water body after beautification in Agartala Shib Bari area last evening said the proposed flood mitigation project includes construction of two protective embankments and installation of three additional pumping stations to improve the city’s drainage system.
Earlied he chaired a high-level review meeting on monsoon preparedness, and directed officials to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), with the project to be implemented in phases subject to fund availability.
Referring to the devastating floods of July-August 2024, Dr. Saha instructed all departments to remain on alert, keep rescue equipment and relief shelters ready, maintain adequate stocks of essential supplies and medicines, monitor rivers and embankments round the clock, and issue timely warnings in vulnerable areas.
The Chief Minister added that the government is also examining a proposal to bring surface water from the Gomati River, about 60 km from Agartala, to reduce the capital’s dependence on iron-rich groundwater.
He said experts have found the proposal technically feasible as Agartala already has an extensive water distribution network.
He said that a DPR will assess technical feasibility, water availability and the quantity of water that can be diverted before any final decision is taken.
The Gomati River will be the first to be considered under the proposal, which could later be expanded by linking other rivers in the state before they flow into Bangladesh. Dr. Saha, however, clarified that the project is still at the planning stage.
