Agartala, June 24: Chief Minister Manik Saha chaired a high-level review meeting on Wednesday regarding the proposed drinking water supply system for Agartala, utilizing water from the Gomati and other rivers. He emphasized the need to work in mission mode to create a long-term and sustainable water resource management plan for the entire state.
During the review of the proposed Tripura Water Grid Project, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to providing safe and clean drinking water for all residents. He stressed that the focus should not only be on meeting the current drinking water needs of Agartala but also on addressing the future requirements of the entire state.
The objective of the proposed Tripura Water Grid is to use additional surface water from 12 rivers across the state for drinking water supply. In the first phase, water from the Gomati River will be used to supply drinking water to the districts of Udaipur, Bishramganj, Vishalgarh, and Agartala.
Saha highlighted the importance of adopting a comprehensive and visionary approach to water resource management and drinking water supply.
At the beginning of the meeting, Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Governance Department, presented a detailed overview of the current and future drinking water demand in Agartala, the shortcomings of the existing water supply system, and various aspects of the proposed long-term water supply project based on the Gomati River.
Gitte noted that a significant portion of Agartala’s drinking water supply currently relies on underground water sources. He pointed out the urgent need to develop a sustainable surface water source, considering the increasing population, rapid urbanization, and frequent water shortages during dry seasons.
The Gomati River, one of the eight major rivers in Tripura, flows through a large part of the state before entering neighboring Bangladesh. The meeting also discussed the proposed plan to draw water from the Maharani Barrage area in Udaipur and to develop necessary infrastructure, such as transmission pipelines, reservoirs, and water purification facilities.
The Chief Minister received detailed information about the project and its various components. He stated that plans should be made not only for Agartala but also to meet the future drinking water needs of the entire state through efficient water resource management.
Saha emphasized that the project should be executed in mission mode with a long-term vision. He further mentioned that necessary steps should be taken to utilize water that is currently wasted or not being used for various reasons.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of collecting and conserving rainwater during the monsoon season for use during times of water scarcity. Saha stated, “With determination and dedication, nothing is impossible. Long-term thinking often lays the foundation for remarkable achievements.”
He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many initiatives once deemed impossible have now become a reality due to efficiency, commitment, and visionary planning.
The meeting also discussed the framework for a sustainable drinking water supply system based on the Gomati River to meet future needs. Additionally, discussions were held on creating various raw water reservoirs to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply during dry seasons.
Officials noted that this initiative would significantly reduce dependence on underground water and help address the persistent issue of high iron content in groundwater in many parts of the state.
Attendees included Finance Minister Pranjit Singha Roy, Speaker of the Tripura Assembly Ram Pada Jamatia, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumdar, MLA Abhishek Debroy, Secretary of Drinking Water and Sanitation Abhishek Singh, Secretary of the Public Works Department P.K. Goyal, and senior officials from various departments.
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