Agartala, June 24 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting on the proposed drinking water supply system for Agartala using water from the Gomati and other rivers, stressing the need to work in mission mode to formulate a long-term and sustainable water resource management plan for the entire state.

Earlier, during a review of the proposed Tripura Water Grid project, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring safe, clean drinking water for all residents. He said the focus should not be limited to meeting the current drinking water requirements of Agartala city alone, but should also take into account the future needs of the entire state.

The proposed Tripura Water Grid aims to utilise surplus surface water from 12 rivers across the state for drinking water supply. In the first phase, water from the Gomati River would be used to supply drinking water to Udaipur, Bishramganj, Bishalgarh and Agartala, under three districts of the state.

Saha emphasised the importance of adopting a comprehensive and far-sighted approach to water resource management and drinking water supply.

At the outset of the meeting, Secretary of the Good Governance Department Kiran Gitte made a detailed presentation highlighting the current and future drinking water demand in Agartala city, the limitations of the existing water supply system, and various aspects of the proposed long-term water supply project based on the Gomati River.

Gitte informed the meeting that a major portion of Agartala’s drinking water supply currently depends on groundwater sources. Considering the increasing population, rapid urbanisation and recurring water shortages during the dry season, there is an urgent need to develop a sustainable surface water-based source, he said.

The Gomati River, one of Tripura’s eight major rivers, flows into neighbouring Bangladesh after traversing a significant part of the state. The meeting was also informed of the proposed plan to draw water from the Maharani Barrage area in Udaipur and to develop the required infrastructure, including transmission pipelines, reservoirs, and water treatment facilities.

The Chief Minister was briefed in detail about the project and its various components. He said the state must formulate plans not only for Agartala but also for meeting the future drinking water requirements of the entire state through efficient water resource management.

Saha stressed that the project should be pursued in mission mode with a long-term vision. He further stated that necessary measures should be taken to utilise water that is currently being wasted or remains unutilised due to various reasons.

The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of rainwater harvesting and conservation during the monsoon season for use during periods of scarcity. “Nothing is impossible if there is determination and perseverance. A far-sighted vision often lays the foundation for remarkable achievements,” Saha said.

He also remarked that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several initiatives once considered impossible have become a reality through efficiency, commitment and visionary planning.

The meeting also discussed the broad contours of a permanent Gomati River-based drinking water supply system to meet future demand. Deliberations were also held on excavating separate raw water reservoirs to store water during the dry season and ensure an uninterrupted drinking water supply in the future.

Officials said the initiative would significantly reduce reliance on groundwater and help address the persistent problem of high iron levels in groundwater across many parts of the state.

Among those present at the meeting were Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly Ram Pada Jamatia, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Abhishek Debroy, Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary Abhishek Singh, Public Works Department Secretary P.K. Goyal and senior officials of various departments.

–IANS

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