Howra Project to Prevent Agartala Floods Was Delayed for Certain Groups, Reveals Biplab
In the wake of heavy monsoon flooding in several parts of Agartala and its outskirts, former Tripura Chief Minister and current Member of Parliament from West Tripura Lok Sabha constituency, Biplab Kumar Deb, has disclosed that a major flood mitigation project involving the construction of a water reservoir on the Howra River had been sanctioned during his tenure but could not be implemented due to opposition from certain groups.
Deb made the revelation on Monday during a visit to flood-affected areas, where he interacted with displaced residents taking shelter in relief camps. “When I was the Chief Minister, we identified the root of the flood crisis in Agartala and surrounding areas. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared, and the Ministry for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) approved the project,” he said while speaking to media persons. “But when the time came for construction to begin, a group opposed the project. We couldn’t proceed, as development should be pro-people. We respect public sentiment.”
Though Deb refrained from identifying the group that opposed the project, he indicated that the resistance significantly delayed progress. “Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which further halted any possibility of moving forward. But the project still has great potential and can be implemented to protect the city from recurring floods,” he added.
Background: The Howra River and Agartala’s Chronic Flood Woes
Agartala, Tripura’s capital, sits on the banks of the Howra River, which swells during the monsoon season, often inundating low-lying areas and displacing thousands. Over the years, urban expansion, unplanned drainage systems, and silt accumulation in natural water bodies have exacerbated the problem. A comprehensive reservoir system on the Haora River was proposed to act as a flood buffer and regulate water flow during heavy rainfall.
However, while the project received initial clearance, Deb’s revelation suggests that local-level resistance—possibly due to land acquisition concerns or environmental issues—halted its progress, leaving the city vulnerable.
On the Ground: Deb Visits Relief Camps
During his visit, Deb toured Pratapgarh, Baldakhal, and Indranagar constituencies, all of which were affected by the recent flooding. He visited relief camps set up for displaced families and interacted with the victims.
“No one can replicate the feeling of home in a relief camp,” he said, “but I spoke to the inmates, and they acknowledged that the administration is providing proper services, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring their basic needs are met. I was informed that in some areas, waterlogging is being caused by blockages. The authorities are working proactively to resolve these issues.”
|Also Read : When the Rains Hit: That Old Story from the Streets of Agartala |
Improvements and Past Efforts
Deb also took the opportunity to highlight the efforts made during his tenure to address flooding. “Earlier, floodwater used to remain stagnant in many parts of the city for several days. After we came to power, that changed. Now, water recedes in just a few hours,” he claimed.
He attributed the improvement to the overhauling of old pump systems, restoration of neglected water bodies, and increased coordination between urban departments. “This is not the time to blame anyone. Our focus should be on helping people in distress,” he added.
A Call for Revival
Deb’s remarks come at a time when Tripura is reeling under the impact of intense pre-monsoon showers. Over the past week, hundreds of residents have been displaced due to overflowing rivers and blocked drains, especially in low-lying pockets of Agartala.
Calling the Haora reservoir project a “long-term solution”, Deb stressed that the idea must be revisited regardless of political leadership. “Projects like these are not about one government or another. They are about the future of our city. We must all work together to make this a reality.”
Looking Ahead
While no immediate official statement has been made by the state government on reviving the reservoir project, Deb’s comments have reignited the conversation around sustainable urban planning and flood management in Agartala.
With monsoons just beginning and the memory of last year’s flash floods still fresh, residents and experts alike are urging authorities to take swift, coordinated action—not only in emergency response but in long-term infrastructure planning. The Howra River reservoir may be delayed, but as Deb and many in the city believe, its promise still holds water.
|Also Read : Tripura ex-CM Biplab Deb Speaks on Delay in Haora River Flood Mitigation Project |
