Agartala, March 19: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Thursday that all 51 wards of the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) now have access to safe drinking water. This supply is supported by an extensive network of treatment and iron-removal plants.
Speaking on the fifth day of the Tripura Assembly’s budget session, Saha emphasized that the urban water supply system has been significantly strengthened. He noted that 31 iron-removal plants within the municipal areas ensure the availability of safe drinking water.
Since 2018, new treatment facilities have been completed to enhance supply, including a 5.50 MLD plant in Master Para and a 3 MLD plant in College Tilla.
Addressing concerns about occasional dirty water supply, the Chief Minister explained that such issues arise during infrastructure work, such as road repairs, cable or gas pipeline installations, and drainage construction, which can inadvertently damage pipelines.
He stated, “Immediate repairs are carried out to restore normal supply.” Saha assured that these interruptions are temporary and that the relevant departments address them promptly.
He also informed the assembly that AMC has launched a ‘Clean Your Tank’ campaign to promote cleanliness and safe water storage methods among residents.
Water supply management in AMC areas is overseen by the Tripura Water Board through the DWS division in Agartala and four sub-divisions. Currently, 13 surface water treatment plants, 31 modified iron-removal plants, and six packaged iron-removal units supply water daily.
Regarding water sources, the Chief Minister mentioned that approximately 25% of the supply comes from surface water, primarily from the Howrah River, while 75% is sourced from groundwater, which contains iron.
Citing data from the Central Ground Water Board, Saha revealed that 60.60% of groundwater resources can be safely extracted, yet only about 10.06% is currently utilized. He further stated that groundwater remains the primary source of drinking water in the state.
With an estimated population of 579,000 in AMC, the total daily water requirement is approximately 78.22 million liters, based on AMRUT guidelines (135 liters per person per day).
Many families supplement their supply through deep tube wells and pumps. To ensure safety, water quality monitoring has been strengthened. Under the ‘Amrit Mitra’ initiative, members of self-help groups are conducting door-to-door water testing in all wards. They also raise awareness among residents about the importance of cleaning water storage tanks every six months.
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S.C.H.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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