April 03, 2018: Every year, citizens of Agartala – the capital city of Tripura – experience serious water-logging problem throughout rainy season. Amid numerous reasons for water-logging, deplorable condition of River Howrah which is flowing by the southern side of Agartala is a major issue. Rejuvenation of Howrah was long due – but could not be initiated. However, it seems, Howrah River is set to get new lease of life as the Chief Minister of Tripura Biplab Kumar Deb said on Monday that the State Government had initiated a major rejuvenation plan to revive the lost glory of the River as well as address the flood and water-logging problems. He said this after touring the source of the River in Baramura Hill area in Tripura on Monday last.
Rejuvenation plan will also focus on boosting tourism in Tripura as well as open ‘water-way’. In a bid to promote state’s tourism, the state government has planned to introduce boating facility in the river Howrah. Also it will act as an alternative to NH 44. He said, “People will have alternative choice – they may opt for waterways or avail road services. In case, landslide blocks NH 44, Howrah river-way will provide alternative transportation facility”.
On water-logging issue, Biplab Deb said, we have planned to concretize the bank of the river Howrah to address the issue. Besides, the catchment area will be protected. The entire project is expected to be completed within next two and half years. He also said, the rejuvenation plan will address both water-logging and supply of iron-free water issues.
The state government has also planned to set up two dams at the source of the river Howrah to preserve rain water. The total catchment area of the rain water reservoir project will be 13 sq. kilometers.
The Chief Minister said, “Two major dams having 25 and 15 meters heights will be constructed. If everything falls in right place, the river Howrah will get back its glory within two and half years.”
