Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday said the state government is considering using water from the Titas River to supply drinking water to all 51 wards of the Agartala Municipal Corporation.

The Chief Minister made the announcement after inaugurating the Vivekananda Township Project at Kaman Chowmuhani, where 48 earthquake-resistant flats for lower, middle, and higher income groups were formally handed over to beneficiaries.

“Our government is transparent and working for the welfare of the people. Despite several obstacles, these flats have been completed in the heart of Agartala. I thank TUDA for their effort,” Dr. Saha said, adding that the government has also permitted high-rise construction in the city while ensuring compliance with building norms.

He said TUDA’s primary goal is to provide modern housing to middle-class and economically weaker sections. “Another project of 216 flats worth around ₹96 crore near Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel is under progress and expected to be completed by March next year,” he added.

Highlighting the government’s focus on urban infrastructure, the Chief Minister informed that foundation stones and inauguration of projects worth ₹800 crore were carried out between January and August this year.

Dr. Saha also urged the Centre to remove the ceiling on loan amounts for externally aided projects, saying the state faces hurdles in executing development works due to the existing cap.

On urban planning, he said the GIS-based master plan for Agartala is nearly 70% complete, while similar plans for 20 other urban areas are in progress. Under the first phase of Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalpa, development works worth ₹530 crore have been taken up with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Speaking about the proposed drinking water project, Dr. Saha said, “The Haora, Kalapania and Katakhal canal waters mix with the Titas River. I am familiar with the river and have proposed to supply its water to Agartala’s 51 wards to ensure iron-free drinking water. If everything goes as planned, we will take this up with the Centre.”