Tripura is exploring an ambitious river-linking project that aims to utilise surplus river water before it flows into Bangladesh, and for this, the state government plans to begin with the Gomati River while also considering a surface water supply system for Agartala and measures to reduce cross-border water pollution.
Agartala: Tripura has begun exploring an ambitious river-linking initiative to utilise its river water before it flows into neighbouring Bangladesh. The proposal forms part of the state’s long-term strategy to strengthen water security, improve drinking water supply and manage water resources more efficiently.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha announced the proposal while addressing an official programme in Agartala. He said the government has not taken any final decision yet. However, it has started examining the technical and environmental feasibility of the project.
The proposed initiative will initially focus on the Gomati River. If the model proves practical, the government may later extend it to other rivers across the state.
Gomati River Identified as the First Candidate
The Gomati River, located around 60 kilometres from Agartala, has emerged as the first river under the proposed river-linking plan.
According to the Chief Minister, the state wants to make better use of available surface water instead of allowing large volumes to flow into Bangladesh without meeting local demand.
Tripura has 12 major and medium rivers. Eight of them cross the international border after flowing through different districts. Several canals also discharge water into Bangladesh.
Officials believe these rivers can play a much larger role in meeting the state’s future drinking water requirements if managed scientifically.
Surface Water to Reduce Dependence on Groundwater
The river-linking proposal complements another major government plan to reduce Agartala’s dependence on groundwater.
For decades, residents of the capital have relied heavily on underground water. However, groundwater in many areas contains high levels of iron, creating persistent challenges for the drinking water supply system.
The government now wants to shift gradually towards treated surface water.
Chief Minister Saha said experts have found the Gomati proposal technically feasible because Agartala already possesses a well-developed water distribution network. This existing infrastructure could reduce the need for expensive new pipelines.
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will now determine whether sufficient water remains available in the Gomati River throughout the year. The report will also assess how much water can be diverted sustainably without affecting the river ecosystem.
Environmental impact, engineering requirements and long-term water availability will also form part of the study.
No Final Approval Yet
The Chief Minister clarified that the project remains at the planning stage.
He said the government would move ahead only after scientific studies confirm its technical viability and environmental sustainability.
Officials will evaluate every aspect before taking a final decision.
The cautious approach reflects the complexity of river-linking projects, which require careful assessment of hydrology, ecology and long-term water demand.
Water Pollution Also Under Government’s Focus
Alongside river utilisation, the state government is also addressing pollution in canals that flow into Bangladesh.
Chief Minister Saha recalled that during an earlier bilateral meeting, a minister from Bangladesh had expressed concern over polluted canal water entering the neighbouring country. According to him, the contaminated water was reportedly causing skin ailments and other health issues among people living across the border.
In response, the Tripura government has decided to establish a water treatment plant.
The facility will treat canal water before it crosses the international boundary.
The initiative aims to improve environmental quality while strengthening cooperation on shared water resources.
Integrated Water Management Strategy
The river-linking proposal forms part of a broader water management strategy currently being pursued by the Tripura government.
The state is simultaneously working on a ₹1,000-crore flood mitigation project for Agartala. The project proposes new embankments and additional pumping stations to improve urban drainage and reduce flood risks during heavy rainfall.
Together, the flood management project, the surface water supply proposal and the river-linking initiative represent a long-term effort to make Tripura more resilient to climate-related challenges.
The government also hopes these projects will improve access to safe drinking water while ensuring that available river resources are used more efficiently.
Why the Project Matters
If implemented, the river-linking initiative could become one of the most significant water resource projects in recent years in the State.
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The plan seeks to achieve multiple objectives through a single strategy. These include reducing dependence on groundwater, improving urban water supply, strengthening climate resilience, managing river resources more effectively and reducing polluted water flowing into Bangladesh.
For now, the proposal remains under detailed examination. However, the government’s decision to begin technical studies marks the first step towards what could become a transformative water infrastructure project for the state.
As climate variability increases and demand for safe drinking water grows, Tripura’s river-linking proposal signals a shift towards integrated and sustainable water resource management that balances development, environmental protection and regional cooperation.
