Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha directs the PWD and DWS Department to begin preparations for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, focusing on water source sustainability, O&M policy, rainwater conservation, and urban mobility improvements in Agartala under major redevelopment plans.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday announced that the Public Works Department (PWD) has been instructed to begin groundwork for the upcoming Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, ahead of detailed guidelines expected from the Central Government. The directive comes as the Government of India officially declared the rollout of JJM 2.0 in the latest Union Budget, marking a renewed push toward strengthening rural and urban drinking water infrastructure across the country.
Dr. Saha reviewed the overall progress of drinking water supply initiatives under the existing Jal Jeevan Mission at a high-level meeting with senior officials of the Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) Department. He emphasised that even though the State is awaiting complete guidelines, funding frameworks, and technical parameters for the second phase, early preparation is crucial for timely implementation and long-term sustainability.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the DWS Department has been directed to focus on source sustainability for all major and minor water supply schemes. Ensuring the stability and recharge of drinking water sources will be a primary objective under JJM 2.0, he said. This includes the protection of water bodies, adoption of advanced water conservation techniques, and scientific monitoring of groundwater levels.
Dr. Saha also stressed the need for an effective Operations and Maintenance (O&M) policy, instructing officials to draft a comprehensive strategy to ensure all drinking water assets created under both phases of JJM remain fully functional. “Officers have also been instructed to prepare an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) policy for drinking water sources and the assets created, ensuring they remain fully functional. Special emphasis was laid on maintaining the highest standards of quality in all works,” the Chief Minister mentioned in a social media post after the review.
To strengthen water conservation efforts, the Chief Minister instructed the Water Resources Department to work in close coordination with the DWS and Forest Departments. The departments have been tasked with developing an integrated plan for rainwater harvesting, catchment protection, and efficient water recharge mechanisms, using modern technology and scientific methodologies. He said collaborative efforts among departments will be essential to enhance rainwater storage capacity and reduce dependency on groundwater, particularly in water-stressed regions of Tripura.
Review of Transport System in Agartala
In a separate meeting, the Chief Minister conducted a detailed review of Agartala’s existing transport infrastructure, focusing on growing urban mobility challenges. He emphasised the need for a systematic and well-coordinated transport framework that promotes smoother, safer, and more efficient movement for residents, students, and visitors.
The review meeting included discussions on traffic bottlenecks, road safety improvements, decongestion strategies, and enhancements in public transportation. Officials presented an in-depth analysis of existing traffic flow patterns in Agartala and areas that require immediate intervention.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the proposed redevelopment of Battala Market, one of the busiest commercial hubs in the capital city. Plans for redesigning the Gol Bazar to Netaji Chowmuhani corridor were also reviewed, as part of the State’s broader urban transformation initiatives.
These projects fall under the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) being prepared at the War Room of the Tripura Institute for Transformation (TIFT). The CMP aims to modernize key urban corridors, improve pedestrian safety, streamline traffic, and introduce smart mobility solutions in the state capital.
Senior officials including Secretary Kiran Gitte, Secretary Abhishek Singh, and representatives from several departments were present during both review meetings.
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Dr. Saha stated that coordinated planning, efficient execution, and quality monitoring will remain central to the State Government’s development strategy, particularly in sectors like water supply and urban mobility, which directly impact public welfare.
