By TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th April 2025: Amid rising tensions along the international border, the Tripura government has set a June deadline to complete all embankment construction and maintenance works across the state, officials announced on Sunday.
Secretary of PWD and Water Resources, Kiran Gitte, revealed the timeline during a visit to South Tripura’s Belonia sub-division, where concerns have mounted over alleged illegal construction activities by Bangladesh authorities along the Muhuri River.
“Flood management works are currently underway at 43 locations across Tripura,” Gitte said. “We are prioritising vulnerable zones, especially in the southern districts where last year’s floods caused significant damage to embankments.”
The visit follows complaints from local residents and CPIM MLA Dipankar Sen, who represents the Belonia Assembly Constituency. Sen alleged that Bangladesh is constructing a 1.5-kilometre-long embankment, nearly 20 feet high, within 50 yards of the zero line—at some points, even just 10 yards away—allegedly violating a bilateral agreement that prohibits any construction within 150 yards of the international border.
“The structure poses a serious flood risk to Belonia town,” Sen warned.
In response, Gitte assured that the state government is taking the matter seriously. He announced that five engineers will be deputed specifically for the Belonia area to speed up embankment work on both the left and right banks of the Muhuri River.
“Some work has already begun, and other projects will be launched shortly in collaboration with local leaders,” Gitte said. “There is no need for panic. We are on track to meet the June deadline.”
Officials are also coordinating with central agencies to ensure adherence to international norms while safeguarding the region from potential flooding.
