In a bid to avert flood crises during the upcoming monsoon season, the Tripura government has launched an extensive embankment repair and construction initiative worth ₹150 crore across the state.

Briefing the media on Tuesday, Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Kiran Gitte, said the initiative comes in the wake of the devastating floods that hit the state in August last year. 

“We are focusing on all 12 rivers in Tripura. A total of 44 vulnerable embankment sites have been identified, and protection work has already commenced,” Gitte said.

In South Tripura’s Belonia subdivision, where the Muhuri River poses a significant threat during heavy rains, urgent embankment work is in full swing. “Following Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s directive, I visited the site on the 20th and reviewed the ongoing work. The embankment is being raised, and anti-erosion measures are underway along a 7.47 km stretch across four locations,” Gitte added.

He informed that ₹77 crore has been allocated specifically for Belonia, and five engineers have been deputed to ensure the work is completed within three months. A detailed report has been submitted to the Chief Minister, who also discussed the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

In Unakoti district’s Kailashahar area, embankment reinforcement is ongoing along a 16.8 km stretch of the Manu River. “We are raising the embankment by about five feet, for which ₹28 crore has been sanctioned,” Gitte said.

Agartala is also witnessing urgent repair of the Howrah River embankment, which has multiple leakages along a 6 km stretch. “₹20 crore has been approved for this. Additionally, ₹8 crore has been sanctioned to build embankments in gaps where they previously didn’t exist,” he noted.

Work is also underway on the Katakhal canal embankment, which stretches 5.35 km and is being strengthened as part of the broader flood management plan.

Gitte assured that the Water Resources Department is committed to completing the projects before the onset of the rainy season, ensuring agricultural lands and livelihoods remain protected.