Tripura CM Manik Saha has proposed using water from Bangladesh’s Titas river to supply clean drinking water to Agartala city. The plan, alongside major urban housing and infrastructure projects, highlights Tripura’s focus on sustainable development and regional cooperation with Bangladesh for future water security.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday revealed that his government is exploring the possibility of using water from Bangladesh’s Titas River to address the growing drinking water needs of Agartala city. The proposal, if implemented, could provide clean, iron-free water to residents of the state capital under the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC).
The Titas is a transboundary river that originates from Sarail Upazila in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. Spanning about 98 kilometers, the river merges into the Meghna near Nabinagar Upazila, forming a part of the Surma-Meghna river system. At several points, the Titas flows just 5 to 12 kilometers from the Tripura border, making it a potential source of water supply for the Indian state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Vivekananda Township Project in central Agartala, CM Saha explained that multiple rivers and canals from Tripura — including the Haora, Kalapania, and Katakhal — merge with the Titas across the border. This natural connection, he noted, strengthens the case for examining the feasibility of channeling water back into Agartala.
“I have adequate knowledge of the Titas river. I have proposed that water from the Titas be supplied to the 51 wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation areas as drinking water. Proposals are being studied, and if everything goes as planned, we will raise this matter with the Central government. Our aim is to provide iron-free and clean water to the people of the city. We are working in this direction,” Saha said.
A Development-Centric Vision
Highlighting his government’s transparent and people-focused approach, CM Saha also emphasized Tripura’s ongoing urban development projects. He pointed out that the Vivekananda Township Project includes 48 earthquake-resistant flats, constructed for families from lower-income, middle-income, and higher-income groups.
“We are working for development, and there is no talk without development. From January to August, we have inaugurated and laid foundation stones for numerous projects and infrastructures worth Rs 800 crore. This is what the BJP-led government is about,” Saha stated.
To strengthen urban planning and housing, the government has formed the Tripura Urban Development Authority (TUDA). According to the Chief Minister, TUDA’s mandate is to construct modern, affordable housing for economically weaker sections (EWS) and middle-class families.
Another major residential project — comprising 216 flats at a cost of around Rs 96 crore — is currently underway on the outskirts of Agartala. Scheduled for completion by March next year, this project is expected to provide additional relief to the state’s urban housing demand.
Appeal to the Centre and External Agencies
As the state expands its infrastructure base, CM Saha urged the Centre to remove the cap on loan amounts for externally aided projects. He pointed out that such caps create obstacles for Tripura, while other states operate without similar restrictions.
“There are many states where such a cap does not exist. But in our case, due to many ongoing development works, we are facing issues because of this cap,” the Chief Minister remarked.
He further noted that international agencies, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), are supporting major urban transformation initiatives in Tripura. Under the Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalp, the government has already undertaken development projects worth around Rs 530 crore in the first phase, with the master plan for Agartala city nearing 70% completion.
GIS-Based Urban Planning for the Future
In addition, GIS-based master plans for 20 urban areas across Tripura are being developed, including for Agartala Municipal Corporation. Once complete, these plans are expected to guide long-term city planning and infrastructure investments, including water supply systems, transport, housing, and public services.
Regional and Diplomatic Significance
The proposal to use water from the Titas river is not only a developmental move but also carries diplomatic weight, as it requires cooperation with Bangladesh and approval from the Central government. The step could deepen transboundary water-sharing collaboration and enhance Tripura’s connectivity with its eastern neighbor.
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If realized, the project may significantly improve water quality and availability in Agartala, while showcasing Tripura’s proactive approach to sustainable urban development.
