Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha announced that the state government aims to achieve 80% irrigation coverage of cultivable land in the next few years. Speaking at the 2nd All India State Water Ministers Conference 2025 in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Dr. Saha highlighted the state’s efforts to improve agricultural productivity and mitigate flood situations.
Tripura, with 70% forest cover and 25% cultivable land, currently has 47% irrigation coverage. The state is prioritizing rainwater storage structures and minor irrigation dams due to limited surface water storage capacity. Work has begun on 14 of 98 identified minor irrigation projects, covering 30,000 hectares. The state also utilizes only 9.48% of its abundant groundwater resources, with deep tube wells being installed for irrigation and drinking water.
Under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, groundwater resources have increased from 1.063 billion cubic meters in 2023 to 1.18 billion cubic meters in 2024. Over 45,000 water structures have been developed, and 975 Amrit Sarovars have been rejuvenated. The Jal Jeevan Mission has provided tap water connections to 85% of rural households, with a target of 100% coverage by September 2025.
To address urban water needs, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is assisting in ensuring 24x7 water supply in 12 towns, while AMRUT 2.0 covers 8 towns. The state is also tackling flood challenges by constructing 43 flood protection embankments and conducting anti-erosion work on riverbanks. A state-specific action plan for sustainable water resource management by 2047 is underway, focusing on climate change challenges and demand-supply gaps.
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