Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced a Rs 100 crore investment to restore the Dumboor hydropower plant, targeting 10–11 MW generation. Restoration work is scheduled to begin in December, alongside renewed emphasis on dam safety, disaster preparedness and public awareness.
Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has announced that the state government will invest Rs 100 crore to restore the old Dumboor hydropower plant, with a target of generating 10 to 11 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The restoration work is scheduled to begin in December 2026, according to the minister’s announcement.
Nath made the announcement while addressing a one-day Community Awareness Programme on Dam Safety at the Gumti Hydro Electric Project in Tirthamukh, Gomati district, southern Tripura. The programme focused on dam safety, preventive measures, disaster preparedness and protecting communities living in downstream areas.
During the programme, the minister emphasised that dam safety is directly connected to public safety, livelihoods and the future of communities dependent on water resources. He called for greater public awareness, regular technical inspections and coordinated efforts between the administration and local residents to minimise potential risks.
“Dam safety means the safety of people’s lives,” Nath said in his message, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and preparedness in preventing disasters. He also stressed the need to strengthen awareness among people living near dams and downstream areas.
The minister noted that the Gumti hydroelectric project was established 56 years ago at Dumboor, where the Raima and Saima rivers meet. The location holds geographical and historical significance as it is associated with the source of the Gomati River in Tripura.
According to Nath, the project originally had three generating units with a combined capacity of 15 MW. However, electricity generation gradually declined over the years. He said the state government subsequently managed to generate around 2 to 3 MW before the project suffered severe damage during the floods of 2024.
Following the damage, a detailed assessment was conducted with the assistance of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The assessment aimed to examine the plant’s condition and determine the feasibility of restoring its electricity generation capacity.
The minister also revealed that an underwater robot was brought from Kerala to inspect the condition of the Dumboor Dam and assess damage to its infrastructure. Based on the assessments, the government prepared a restoration plan targeting electricity generation of 10 to 11 MW with an investment of Rs 100 crore.
Nath said the restoration project is expected to help revive power generation at the historic facility and strengthen the state’s electricity infrastructure.
Dam Safety and Disaster Preparedness
Addressing the importance of dam safety, Nath referred to India’s dam safety legislation enacted in 2021. He noted that the country has more than 7,000 dams and said preventive measures, regular monitoring and safety inspections are essential to protect infrastructure and surrounding communities.
He added that pre-monsoon and post-monsoon inspections are conducted in coordination with the concerned authorities to assess dam conditions, identify potential risks and undertake necessary preventive measures.
The minister emphasised that safeguarding people living downstream remains a major priority. He called for stronger coordination among government departments, technical agencies and local communities to improve disaster preparedness and reduce the risks associated with dams.
Nath also highlighted Dumboor’s wider economic importance. The area has 48 lakes and supports fish cultivation, providing livelihoods for thousands of people. Beyond electricity generation, the region’s water resources play an important role in sustaining local economic activities.
Mobile Connectivity in Remote Areas
During the programme, Nath also referred to a recent state Cabinet decision to extend Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) network facilities and install mobile towers in areas lacking mobile connectivity. He said the initiative aims to address communication difficulties in remote and network-deprived parts of Tripura, with work expected to begin soon.
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Concluding his message, the minister urged residents to remain aware of dam safety measures and support coordinated efforts to protect lives and livelihoods. He stressed that technological monitoring, emergency preparedness and public participation are essential for building safer communities and ensuring the long-term security of the Gumti hydropower project.
