Agartala: Mar 27: The Tripura government has proposed a comprehensive ₹145.71 crore project to rejuvenate the Howrah River, a vital water resource for the state. The project, submitted to the Ministry of Jal Shakti in December 2020, aims to dredge and restore the river, which has suffered from pollution and human activities over the years.
The Howrah River stretches 61.20 kilometers, with 52 kilometers within India and the rest in Bangladesh. However, its water-holding capacity has diminished significantly due to pollution and environmental degradation, leading to frequent flooding in Agartala.
To address this, the Public Works Department has proposed a ₹248 crore project to strengthen embankments, floodwalls, and other protective infrastructure along a 9.33-kilometer stretch of the river. Short-term measures, including silt and debris removal, are already underway and expected to be completed within six months.
Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha emphasized the need for public cooperation in preserving the river’s health, urging citizens to refrain from dumping waste and assist in clearing illegal encroachments. The state government awaits approval from the Ministry of Jal Shakti to initiate large-scale dredging and restoration activities.
Interestingly, Agartala Smart City Limited is supporting the project’s techno-economic evaluation and feasibility studies . Additionally, there are plans to develop the Howrah River Front, which includes transforming an 8-kilometer stretch into a recreational spot with horticultural and floricultural orchards .
