The underground water level in Tripura is in a good position, and to keep this position steady, the present state government has taken a series of steps on how, in the coming days, rainwater can be stored more effectively and people can be made self-reliant.

This was informed by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath today after he chaired an important Executive Committee meeting on the Watershed Development Project under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana at Pragna Bhavan.

The Minister said that states which are dependent on rainwater must think about what they will do in the coming days, and that is why this scheme was launched.

“To store rainwater after it falls into the soil, we have taken this initiative. That is why we construct watersheds, check dams, ponds, plantations, etc. We have been doing this by spending money and we are almost successful. After March, Phase 3.0 will start,” said the Minister.

He informed that states like Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan do not depend on rainwater; instead, they use groundwater for personal and agricultural purposes. However, they are now facing a water crisis as the groundwater level is decreasing.

“Tripura is in a safe position, as only 9.7% of groundwater is used here, while Assam uses 15% and West Bengal uses 52%. But we must think about the next generation. That is why this Watershed Development Project under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana was launched. Through this executive meeting, we are deciding how, in the coming days, we can store more rainwater and make people self-reliant. I request the officials to spend the remaining funds by January 15 so that in the next project we can bring more funds for the development of the state,” the Minister said.

Saha Sabhadhipatis of all eight districts were present at the meeting. 

Minister also informed that the government is thinking of creating water bodies beside national highways along with road connectivity, children’s parks, open gyms, and plantations.