CM chairs meeting to discuss water supply for Agartala
AGARTALA: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to discuss the proposed water supply system for Agartala utilising water from the Gomti River. He stressed the need of developing a long-term, sustainable water resource management plan that spans the entire state, rather than focusing solely on Agartala's immediate needs.
This strategic approach aims to address future demands while confronting current challenges.
The meeting began with a presentation by Kiran Gitte, Secretary, who outlined the current and projected drinking water demands for Agartala, identified limitations in the existing supply infrastructure and detailed the proposal for long-term development centered on the Gomti River. He noted that Agartala's current water supply heavily depends on groundwater, asserting the urgent need for a sustainable surface water source in light of population growth, urbanization, and potential water shortages during dry seasons.
The proposed water management plan includes strategies for water abstraction from the Maharani Barrage area in Udaipur, development of an extensive pipeline network, construction of reservoirs and enhancement of water purification facilities.
Chief Minister Saha stressed that planning must extend beyond Agartala to encompass the entire state's water needs and future requirements. He urged a 'mission mode' approach to utilize currently wasted water resources effectively and highlighted the importance of rainwater conservation during monsoon seasons.
State's Finance Minister Pranajit Singh Roy, Assembly Speaker Rampad Jamatia, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Deepak Majumdar and other officials from relevant departments.
Discussions also involved designing a permanent water supply system based on the Gomti River and excavating reservoirs for raw water storage to enhance the reliability of the drinking water supply during dry periods. The collective goal is to fortify the water supply infrastructure for long-term uninterrupted service.