Agartala, Aug 23 — Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Sunday that the state government would take permanent measures to address the recurring flood problem, while assuring that the administration was on high alert and working round the clock to provide relief and assistance to the affected people.
Chief Minister Saha made the statement after visiting several flood-affected areas and relief camps at Vivekananda School in Bardowali and Ashram Chowmuhani in West Tripura district, where he interacted with the affected people and took stock of the relief and rehabilitation measures.
"I heard that in Khowai and West Tripura districts, water suddenly entered several areas. In West district, due to heavy rainfall in the Barmura Hills, water has entered many places. The same thing happened in August 2024 as well. Everyone is working, starting from the District Magistrate to the Revenue Department Secretary. When I was in Amarpur for a programme, I spoke to the officials over the phone. The water level in the Haora river crossed the danger mark, but it is now gradually receding, which is a good sign. There is no rainfall at present," the Chief Minister told the media.
He said that relief camps had been opened in the affected areas and arrangements had been made to provide food, including baby food, to the people taking shelter there.
"Disaster response teams are on the ground. Boats have also been deployed. I have visited some of the affected areas. As per the report, 17 relief camps have been opened, where 413 families comprising 1,305 people are currently taking shelter," he said.
The Chief Minister said that the state government was also examining ways to find a permanent solution to the recurring flood problem in the state.
"Government is also studying about how to find a permanent solution to this problem. Embankments have been constructed, and we are working on taking further measures. However, you cannot compete with nature. We are alert from our end and taking all possible steps," CM Saha added.
The Chief Minister said that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams had been kept in reserve to deal with any emergency situation and that the administration was closely monitoring the flood situation.
"NDRF teams have been kept in reserve. Councillors are working round the clock, along with party workers and karyakartas. We are also keeping a close watch on the situation. West district has been badly affected," he added.
Chief Minister Saha also interacted with people at the relief camps and enquired about the availability of essential commodities, food and other basic facilities.
He directed the officials concerned to ensure that the affected people received all necessary assistance without any delay.
The Chief Minister said that the government and district administrations were coordinating their efforts to deal with the situation and provide immediate relief to the affected population.
Revenue, Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Department Secretary Milind Ramteke, West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar and other senior officials were present during the Chief Minister's visit.