Agartala: mar 27: The Tripura government submitted a proposal worth ₹145.71 crore to the Ministry of Jal Shakti on December 8, 2020, aimed at dredging and rejuvenating the Howrah River. This update was shared by Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha during the fifth day of the budget session in the Tripura Legislative Assembly. The concept paper, prepared with support from Agartala Smart City Limited, is currently undergoing techno-economic evaluation and feasibility studies.
Highlighting the importance of the Howrah River, Chief Minister Dr. Saha noted that it is one of Tripura’s ten major rivers and serves as a vital resource for the state. Spanning 61.20 kilometers, of which 52 kilometers are in India and the remainder in Bangladesh, the river basin covers a significant area of 488 square kilometers. However, the river has faced extensive pollution and uncontrolled human activities over the years, leading to reduced water-holding capacity and frequent flooding in Agartala.
To address these challenges, the Public Works Department (Water Resource Division) has proposed a ₹248 crore project under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode to strengthen embankments, floodwalls, and protection measures along a 9.33-kilometer stretch of the river. Additionally, short-term measures, including silt and debris removal, are underway and expected to be completed within six months.
Chief Minister Saha stressed the importance of public cooperation in preserving the river’s navigability and mitigating flood risks, urging citizens to avoid waste disposal into the river and comply with efforts to remove illegal encroachments. The state government awaits approval from the Ministry of Jal Shakti to commence large-scale dredging and restoration efforts.
