Agartala: Mar 27: Discussions are set to take place with officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation regarding the construction of a large-scale drinking water purification plant at the Dumbur reservoir in Dhalai district. Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha shared this update in response to a query raised by BJP MLA Ranjit Das during the fourth day of the Tripura Assembly’s budget session.
The Chief Minister highlighted two innovative drinking water projects initiated by the Department of Water. These include a project at Sadayananda Para under Ranirpur Gram Panchayat in Dumburnagar Block, operational since March 2024 and supplying drinking water to 65 families, and another at Prabhu Ram Para under Naikkachhara Gram Panchayat, awaiting electricity connections to provide drinking water to 55 families once functional. Furthermore, a third project utilizing conserved water from the Dumbur reservoir is operational at Narayan Sardar Para in Raishyabari Block, benefiting 55 families.
Detailing the Dumbur reservoir’s water capacity, Dr. Saha explained that it holds approximately 286.9 million liters during the monsoon season, which reduces to 182 million liters in the dry season. He noted that hydropower plants near the reservoir require a minimum of 209.8 crore liters for uninterrupted electricity generation, leading to water shortages for 50 to 70 days during the dry season. The Chief Minister acknowledged technical issues with the hydropower plant’s turbines and emphasized the importance of their repair.
Dr. Saha also underlined the critical role of lift irrigation projects and water treatment plants in supporting agricultural irrigation in areas near the Gomati River. He assured that consultations with relevant departments would guide necessary steps to address these challenges.
