The Tripura government is pushing sustainable development with a strong focus on rainwater conservation and afforestation, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Monday.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the Watershed Management Festival 2025 near the Tara Sundari Dam in Taranagar.
Water Scarcity a Global Threat
Addressing the gathering, Nath warned that water scarcity poses a serious global threat. He said the planet has more water than land, yet many regions face severe shortages.
“Experts have warned that future conflicts, even a third world war, could erupt over water,” he said. He urged people to treat water as a precious resource.
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Importance of Watershed Programmes
The minister stressed the importance of watershed management, especially in rain-fed agricultural regions. He said farming cannot survive without proper water conservation.
Nath cited groundwater usage figures from different states to underline the urgency. Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan use almost all available groundwater. West Bengal consumes around 52 percent, Assam 15 percent, and Tripura about 9 percent.
“Tripura may not face an immediate crisis,” he said. “However, neglecting water conservation will create serious problems in the future.”
Focus on Farmers and Inclusive Development
Nath said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given agriculture top priority and described farmers as “equivalent to deities.” He added that both the Centre and the state government focus on farmers, youth, women, and the poor.
“Working for their welfare will help realise the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” he said.
He also urged communities to dig ponds, build reservoirs, and plant more trees. These measures, he said, will help prevent floods caused by deforestation and climate change.
Progress Under Watershed Management Plan
The minister said Phase-II of the Watershed Management Plan started in 2021–22. At present, 48 projects are underway across 18 subdivisions of Tripura.
The government plans to launch Phase-III after March 2026.
Nath announced plans to restore the canal linked to the Tara Sundari Dam. The government also aims to develop the surrounding area as a reservoir zone. Proposed facilities include eco-tourism sites, open gyms, and other public amenities.
Infrastructure and Plantation Achievements
Sharing progress details, Nath said the government has so far built 181 check dams and dug 1,014 ponds. It has also created 44 Amrit Sarovars and restored 135 ponds.
In addition, authorities have constructed 6,992 metres of irrigation canals. The government has also carried out plantation work across 1,400 hectares.
Nath criticised previous governments for ignoring canal restoration. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to sustainable development.
“Agriculture is our foundation,” he said. “If one tree is cut, ten trees must be planted.”
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