The government of Tripura has begun a flood-prevention initiative in the state capital Agartala, combining large-scale canal cleaning with embankment construction to protect the city from seasonal flooding.
Officials said the project includes the clearing of the Katakhal Canal and the construction of a 650-metre embankment along the Howrah River, two key drainage channels that help discharge excess rainwater from the city during heavy downpours.
Senior officials inspected the project sites earlier this week, including Kiran Gitte, secretary of the Urban Development Department, Dr Vishal Kumar, District Magistrate of West Tripura, and Dr Gugulavath Sharath Nayak, chief executive officer of Agartala Smart City Ltd. Officials from the Agartala Municipal Corporation and the state administration were also present during the inspection.
Speaking after the review, Gitte highlighted that Agartala depends largely on two outlets, the Howrah River and Katakhal Canal—for draining floodwaters during intense rainfall.
“Cleaning operations are underway to remove blockages, with coordinated efforts by the Municipal Corporation, Smart City Limited and the Water Resources Department. Simultaneously, construction of the embankment has started, backed by state-sanctioned funds and land acquisition,” he said.
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Officials said the work aims to improve the flow of stormwater and prevent inundation in low-lying areas of the city, which often face waterlogging during the monsoon.
Gitte also recalled that the embankment project had been announced earlier by Chief Minister Manik Saha in the state Assembly, and work had now commenced in line with that commitment.
He added that the city’s pumping infrastructure had also been strengthened as part of flood preparedness measures.
“With all pumps fully functional, Agartala will be able to drain excess water within an hour during heavy rainfall,” he said.
Officials noted that the combined measures of canal cleaning, embankment construction and improved pumping capacity were aimed at strengthening the city’s resilience against flooding.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the state government to improve urban infrastructure and reduce the impact of monsoon-related flooding in Agartala.
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