Agartala, Aug 29:
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said his government is exploring the possibility of sourcing drinking water for Agartala city from the Titas river in Bangladesh.
Speaking after inaugurating the Vivekananda Township Project in the capital, Saha said the Titas river, which originates in Sarail Upazila of Brahmanbaria district and flows 98 km before meeting the Meghna, passes close to Tripura at several points. From Indian territory, the river flows 5 km inside Bangladesh at some locations and 10–12 km at others.
Saha explained that waters from the Haora, Kalapania, and Katakhal canals mix with the Titas in Bangladesh. “I have proposed that water from the Titas river be supplied to all 51 wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation. Proposals are under study, and if feasible, we will raise the matter with the Centre to provide iron-free, clean drinking water to the city,” he said.
Highlighting his government’s commitment to development, the Chief Minister said 48 flats have been constructed under the Vivekananda Township Project for low, middle, and higher-income groups. He added that the flats are earthquake-resistant and aimed at improving urban living standards.
Saha, who also holds the PWD portfolio, said the Tripura Urban Development Authority (TUDA) has been formed to construct modern housing. Another housing project comprising 216 flats at a cost of ₹96 crore is underway on the outskirts of Agartala, expected to be completed by March 2026.
The CM further informed that GIS-based master plans for 20 urban areas are being prepared, with Agartala’s plan already 70% complete. Under the Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalp, projects worth ₹530 crore have been undertaken in the first phase with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).