Tripura has set a June deadline to complete vital embankment repairs and maintenance along its riverbanks, as concerns mount over rising water levels and alleged encroachments. Secretary of PWD and Water Resources, Kiran Gitte, announced this timeline on Sunday, April 20, during an official inspection of ongoing embankment restoration work in the state. The state government aims to finish all major projects before the arrival of the monsoon season, ensuring flood protection for several vulnerable areas.
Gitte expressed confidence that the state machinery would meet the target if weather conditions remain stable. He added that the Public Works Department, in coordination with the Water Resources Department, has deployed additional manpower and machinery at critical sites. Engineers and ground staff are working round-the-clock to expedite the process, particularly in areas where riverbanks suffered severe erosion last year.
During the inspection, Gitte visited border-adjacent zones that frequently face waterlogging and breaches due to weak embankments. He reviewed the progress of repairs along the Muhuri and Feni rivers, which have witnessed fluctuating water levels over recent months. The state government has prioritized these zones, especially after receiving complaints from locals regarding recurring flood damage during every monsoon season.
Residents in several villages situated along the riverbanks have welcomed the accelerated pace of embankment work. Many of them shared their experiences with state officials, highlighting the losses they suffered due to water intrusion in previous years. They voiced hope that the newly strengthened embankments would protect their crops, homes, and livelihoods this time. In response, Gitte assured them that the government would complete the work well before the rainy season sets in.
At the same time, the Tripura administration has raised concerns over alleged illegal constructions by Bangladesh near the Indo-Bangla border. These activities, according to state officials, could obstruct natural water flow and weaken the embankments further. Gitte confirmed that the state government has formally reported these issues to the Ministry of External Affairs. He stressed that such developments require urgent diplomatic dialogue to avoid cross-border water management problems.
Border villagers have also accused local miscreants and foreign elements of tampering with riverbanks to enable unauthorized trade routes. These acts not only damage the embankments but also pose a national security threat, officials said. Gitte reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen embankments at all strategic points, especially in sensitive border belts. He added that the state police and Border Security Force have been alerted to maintain vigilance in these areas.
The Tripura government has also collaborated with environmental experts and hydrology consultants to ensure sustainable embankment designs. Officials said the use of advanced materials and erosion-resistant technologies would help increase the durability of the structures. The Water Resources Department has mapped all river zones and is using satellite imagery to track water flow, soil patterns, and vulnerable pockets in real time.
Apart from repairs, new embankments are under construction in at least 18 locations across Tripura. These sites were identified following a state-level review of last year’s flood data. Authorities have also initiated training sessions for local engineers to improve technical capacity and disaster preparedness. Gitte stated that the administration remains committed to building long-term flood resilience across all districts.
Political leaders across party lines have taken note of the embankment drive, with most expressing support for the state’s efforts. Some opposition members, however, criticized delays in the initial phase of the project and called for stricter action against those responsible for alleged negligence in past years. Gitte responded by saying that the government would not tolerate inefficiency and had already taken disciplinary steps against erring officials.
As the June deadline approaches, all eyes remain on the state’s execution strategy. With the monsoon looming, Tripura’s embankment project is not just about infrastructure—it is about securing lives, livelihoods, and the future stability of its border and inland communities.
