Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has urged the Central government for financial aid to support post-flood restoration efforts after the state suffered an estimated loss of ₹15,000 crore due to last year’s devastating floods.
Saha acknowledged the Centre’s support during the disaster, including the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and helicopters, but emphasized that the state still requires major financial assistance to rebuild its damaged infrastructure.
Tripura’s ₹15,000 Crore Flood Damage Assessment
The floods caused extensive destruction across Tripura, impacting homes, roads, bridges, and public utilities. The state government has estimated the total loss at ₹15,000 crore, making it one of the most severe natural disasters in Tripura’s recent history.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, CM Manik Saha revealed that the Centre had dispatched an inter-ministerial team twice to assess the damage. These assessments are crucial in securing financial aid under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and other relief schemes.
Tripura Government’s Immediate Restoration Efforts
While awaiting funds from the Centre, the Tripura government has already allocated ₹563 crore from its own budget to begin urgent restoration work. “To initiate immediate restoration work, we have allocated ₹563 crore from our state budget. However, full-scale rebuilding requires substantial financial assistance from the Centre,” said CM Saha.
The allocated ₹563 crore is being used to repair essential infrastructure such as:
- Roads and bridges
- Public utilities (electricity, water supply, sewage systems)
- Educational institutions and healthcare facilities
- Agricultural land restoration for affected farmers
Centre’s Role in Tripura’s Flood Relief and Recovery
The Central government had played a critical role in the initial disaster response, deploying NDRF teams and helicopters for rescue operations. Now, CM Manik Saha is seeking additional financial aid for long-term reconstruction. “We are hopeful that the Centre will provide the necessary funds for continued restoration, following the proper procedures,” Saha added.
Tripura is looking for aid through various central government schemes, including:
- National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
- State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)
- Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Package for states affected by severe calamities
Challenges in Post-Flood Restoration
The flood devastation has left Tripura facing major restoration challenges, including:
- Infrastructure Damage: Roads, highways, and bridges remain damaged or unusable, disrupting transportation and trade.
- Loss of Homes: Thousands of houses were destroyed or severely damaged, leaving families in temporary shelters.
- Agricultural Impact: Farmers have lost crops and livestock, leading to economic setbacks in rural areas.
- Public Health Risks: Contaminated water sources and damaged healthcare infrastructure have increased the risk of disease outbreaks.
Tripura’s Strategy for Post-Flood Rehabilitation
The state government has outlined a comprehensive strategy to ensure effective post-flood recovery:
1. Immediate Relief Measures
- Rehabilitation of displaced families through temporary shelters and housing schemes
- Providing compensation to affected farmers and small businesses
- Restoring essential services (electricity, water supply, healthcare)
2. Infrastructure Rebuilding
- Repairing and reconstructing roads, bridges, and public utilities
- Upgrading drainage systems to prevent future flooding
- Developing climate-resilient infrastructure
3. Long-Term Disaster Preparedness
- Strengthening flood forecasting and warning systems
- Building embankments and flood-resistant structures
- Investing in sustainable water management and river conservation
Will the Centre Provide Financial Aid?
CM Manik Saha remains optimistic that the Central government will approve financial aid for Tripura’s post-flood recovery. The Centre’s response will be crucial in determining how quickly the state can rebuild and recover from the disaster.
The ₹15,000 crore flood loss has placed Tripura in urgent need of major financial support, and all eyes are now on the Central government’s decision. Meanwhile, the state government continues to work on immediate restoration efforts with its own allocated funds.
The 2023 floods in Tripura caused unprecedented damage, leaving the state struggling to recover. While the Tripura government has allocated ₹563 crore, it is not enough to cover the estimated ₹15,000 crore in losses. CM Manik Saha’s appeal to the Centre for financial aid will determine the speed and success of Tripura’s post-flood restoration efforts.
As the state awaits the Centre’s decision, Tripura remains focused on rebuilding, rehabilitating affected communities, and ensuring better disaster preparedness for the future.
