Agartala, April 23, 2025: In a major move to prevent flood-like situations during the upcoming monsoon, the Tripura government has initiated embankment development projects worth Rs 150 crore across the state. The initiative involves the raising, strengthening, and construction of new embankments along key rivers vulnerable to flooding.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Water Resources Department, highlighted the significance of the initiative, recalling the devastating floods that hit the state in August last year, causing widespread destruction. He informed that the department has commenced flood protection work across all 12 rivers in the state, with 44 embankments identified for urgent intervention.
“In Belonia under the South District, work is progressing rapidly along the Muhuri River following directives from Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. I personally visited the site on April 20 to assess the situation,” Gitte said. “We are raising the height of the embankment and undertaking anti-erosion measures. The project spans 7.47 km across four locations in Belonia, with Rs 77 crore already approved.”
Gitte also mentioned that a detailed report has been submitted to the Chief Minister. “Dr. Saha discussed the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. We have assured that the Water Resources Department will complete the necessary work ahead of the rainy season to protect agricultural land, especially paddy fields,” he added. Five engineers have been deployed in Belonia to ensure the project is completed within three months.
In the Unakoti District, embankment work is underway along the 16.8-km stretch of the Manu River in Kailashahar. The embankment is being raised by about five feet, with a budget allocation of Rs 28 crore.
Meanwhile, in Agartala, repairs and upgrades are being carried out along a 6-km stretch of the Howrah River embankment, where multiple leakages were identified. An additional Rs 20 crore has been sanctioned for this work, along with Rs 8 crore allocated to construct embankments in uncovered areas. The department is also reinforcing the Katakhal canal embankment, which runs 5.35 km.
Gitte emphasized the government’s commitment to completing all flood protection works before the onset of monsoon to safeguard lives, property, and farmlands.
