Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha made a significant announcement on August 29 regarding plans to provide clean, iron-free drinking water to all 51 wards of the Agartala Municipal Corporation. The proposed solution involves exploring the use of water from Bangladesh’s Titas River.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Vivekananda Township Project at Kaman Chowmuhani, where Dr. Saha emphasized his government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and modern infrastructure. He highlighted the government’s dedication to development, citing the inauguration and foundation-laying of projects worth Rs 800 crore from January to August.
Dr. Saha praised the Tripura Urban Development Authority (TUDA) for its role in constructing modern flats for economically weaker and middle-class families. He mentioned that 216 flats near Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, worth Rs 96 crore, are under construction and set to be completed by March next year. The Chief Minister also mentioned the construction of high-rise buildings under strict regulatory norms.
Addressing financial challenges, Dr. Saha revealed that he had requested the Centre to remove the cap on loan amounts for externally aided projects, noting that such restrictions do not apply to other states. He also discussed urban planning initiatives, including the preparation of GIS-based master plans for 20 urban areas, with Agartala’s plan already 70% complete.
Under the Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalpa, supported by the Asian Development Bank, development works worth around Rs 530 crore have been initiated in the first phase. Dr. Saha also elaborated on the Titas River proposal, explaining that water from Haora, Kalapania, and Katakhal canals mix with the Titas River. He expressed his intention to supply water from the Titas River to all 51 wards of Agartala to provide iron-free drinking water, with proposals ready for approval.
Once approved, the government plans to seek necessary support from the Centre to implement the project. Dr. Saha reiterated the government’s commitment to finding a sustainable solution for the city’s water needs and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
