On Monday, July 31st, 2023, the Urban Development Department of the Government of Tripura organized a momentous laying foundation stone ceremony at the Apanjan Club, Bhattapukur, Agartala. The event marked the commencement of several vital projects under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 Scheme. Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha graced the occasion and initiated the foundation stone-laying for 47 Deep Tube Wells (DTWs), 31 Iron Removal Plants (IRPs), 258 km of water pipeline extension, and 16,224 water tap connections. These transformative projects aim to improve the quality of life for the urban population by providing essential amenities, including clean drinking water, across the state.
Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Vision for Public Welfare:
Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the basic amenities for its citizens, encompassing health, education, housing, and, most notably, clean drinking water. Municipal organizations, including the Agartala Municipal Corporation and Nagar Panchayats, are actively engaged in various initiatives to elevate the living standards of urban residents.
The Projects under AMRUT 2.0:
The ambitious AMRUT 2.0 Scheme encompasses the implementation of 47 Deep Tube Wells, 31 Iron Removal Plants, an extension of 258 km of drinking water pipelines, and the provision of 16,224 water tap connections to households. Once completed, clean drinking water will reach 26 wards in municipal areas, while the Drinking Water & Sanitation department will take care of delivering clean drinking water to the remaining wards. Currently, the DWS department has provided drinking water connections to about 64% of the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) areas, a figure that is expected to rise to 72% upon the conclusion of AMRUT 2.0’s implementation.
The Chief Minister’s Call for Water Conservation:
While emphasizing the importance of water as a fundamental source of life, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha urged citizens to be conscious of water usage and avoid wastage. He praised the dedicated efforts of different municipal organizations in providing essential amenities to urban residents. Tripura’s accolades, such as being recognized as the best-performing state in the Northeast for implementing Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) in the financial year 2022-23 and being named the cleanest state among small states in the Swachh Survekshan Survey 2023, reflect the state government’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Other Urban Development Initiatives:
The budget for the financial year 2023-24 indicates the state government’s sincere commitment to urban development. The Chief Minister announced the launch of the Chief Minister Satellite Town Development Scheme, aimed at constructing satellite towns in Agartala, Udaipur, and Dharmanagar at an estimated cost of 500 crore rupees. Additionally, 10 crore rupees have been allocated for the primary works of this ambitious scheme. To address the growing demands of urbanization, the state government earmarked 50 crore rupees for setting up Sewage Treatment Plants in Agartala and various other cities.
The government also seeks to boost industrial trade and tourism by investing 10 crore rupees in establishing industrial facilities in Kailashahar. Moreover, 19 different cities in the state are slated to receive Solar High Mast Lighting Systems, costing 8 crore 45 lakh rupees, further enhancing their infrastructure and amenities.
Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalp, another noteworthy initiative, has been introduced in this year’s budget with the aim of improving the infrastructure of municipal organizations in the state. Over the next five years, 1500 crore rupees will be invested through the Tripura Urban Employment Programme (TUEP) under this scheme. Furthermore, the construction of a new office building for Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat is in the pipeline, with an allocation of 3 crore 50 lakh rupees.
A Public-Friendly Government:
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government’s paramount focus remains the welfare of its citizens. The extensive range of projects and works being undertaken stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to providing better living conditions and a prosperous future for the people of Tripura.
Agartala Municipal Corporation’s Role:
Hon’ble Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation, Dipak Majumder, acknowledged the diligent efforts of the AMC, ranging from beautification projects to drainage system improvements and the delivery of clean drinking water. The ultimate goal of the AMC is to ensure that every urban household has access to basic amenities, and the successful implementation of AMRUT 2.0 will be a significant stride towards achieving this objective.
Key Figures Present at the Ceremony:
The laying foundation stone ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of various dignitaries, including Director of Urban Development Department, Rajat Panth, who delivered the welcome speech. The Director outlined the scope of the projects under AMRUT 2.0, which include the installation of 47 Deep Tube Wells, 31 Iron Removal Plants, the extension of 258 km of water pipelines, and the provision of 16,224 water tap connections. These transformative projects are set to be implemented at an estimated cost of 116 crore rupees. Secretary of Urban Development Department, Abhishek Singh, also addressed the gathering. Chief Engineer Shyamlal Bhowmik and several other notable figures graced the occasion with their presence.
The laying foundation stone ceremony of various projects under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 Scheme in Tripura marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards urban development and public welfare. The government’s ambitious initiatives, including the delivery of clean drinking water, the creation of satellite towns, and the establishment of industrial facilities, underscore its commitment to providing a better quality of life for its citizens. With the support and dedication of municipal organizations and citizens alike, Tripura is poised to achieve remarkable progress in its pursuit of a prosperous and sustainable urban landscape.