Tripura mulls using water that flows into Bangladesh’s Titas River for Agartala’s drinking supply

The 98 km-long Titas River originates in Brahmanbaria in Bangladesh. It flows near Tripura and enters Bangladesh at several places—entering 5 km in some areas, and 10-12 km in others.

“The water of our Haora River, Kalapania, or Katakhal Canal mixes with the Titas River. I have proposed that water that goes to the Titas be supplied to the 51 wards of AMC for drinking water purposes. If everything goes as per our plan, we shall raise the matter with the Centre,” Saha said after inaugurating the Vivekananda Township Project in Agartala on Friday.

Saha added that the state launched and laid foundation stones for several projects and infrastructures from January to August.

“Tripura Urban Development Authority (TUDA) has been formed to construct good buildings for people to stay comfortable. We have permitted high-rise buildings following all rules,” he said, adding that another project on the outskirts of Agartala, comprising 216 flats of nearly Rs 96 crore, is expected to be completed by next March.

Saha also requested the central government to remove the cap on loan amounts for externally-aided projects. “Such caps are non-existent in many states. We are facing issues due to this cap,” he said.

The preparation of GIS master plans for 20 urban areas in the state, including AMC, is in progress, he added. Nearly 70 per cent of the master plan of the city is complete, and in the first phase of the Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalp, several development projects with an estimated worth of Rs 530 crore were undertaken with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank, he further said.