Agartala (Tripura), June 2: Former Tripura Chief Minister and current Lok Sabha MP from West Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, on Monday said a major reservoir project on the Haora River—intended to ease Agartala’s recurring flood woes—was approved but could not move forward due to opposition from certain groups and setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting flood-affected areas and relief shelters, Deb said, “When I held the Chief Minister’s office, we recognized the root causes of urban flooding and moved quickly with a plan. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared, and the project received approval from the Ministry for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER). However, local resistance blocked the start of construction. We couldn’t go against public sentiment. Development must always align with people’s interests.”
He added that when the state administration attempted to revisit the project, the COVID outbreak further delayed its execution. “Despite these hurdles, this project is still viable and essential to prevent future flood disasters in Agartala,” Deb emphasized.
The MP made these remarks after visiting flood-hit zones and temporary shelters in Pratapgarh, Baldakhal, and Indranagar assembly constituencies. He assessed conditions in the camps and interacted with displaced residents.
“Relief camps can never replace the comfort of one’s home,” Deb acknowledged. “But residents shared that all necessary amenities are being provided, including hygiene and medical support. The administration is taking prompt measures. In some pockets, waterlogging is persisting due to blockages, and work is underway to clear them.”
Criticizing the earlier civic infrastructure, Deb pointed out, “Before our administration took charge, stagnant floodwater remained for days. Now, the city drains in a matter of hours. We have upgraded drainage pumps and restored numerous water bodies long left unattended.”
Calling for collective focus during this crisis, he concluded, “This isn’t the time to point fingers. Our priority must be helping those suffering. We are committed to supporting every affected family.”
Amid heavy rainfall and flooding in the state, Member of Parliament Biplab Deb visited eight shelter homes in West Tripura district to meet flood-affected individuals.
On this occasion, as a personal initiative, he distributed 2,250 food packets in the first phase to ensure that those affected have access to food for at least a few days during this challenging natural disaster. Each food packet contains 5 kg of rice, 500 grams of pulses, mustard cooking oil, 500 grams of soybeans, 500 grams of onions, 500 grams of potatoes, salt, and biscuits.
Even while in Delhi, Deb stayed in constant contact with responsible officials, monitoring the situation closely. During the recent floods across Tripura, he had provided thousands of food packets statewide. This time, too, he has stood by the people in a meaningful way. It is understood that this support will continue in the coming days.
