Indo-Bangla joint action key to solving flooding in Agartala and other Tripura border towns: Official

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 17, 2026

Tripura PWD and Health Secretary Kiran Gitte on Thursday said a long-term solution to recurring flooding and waterlogging in Agartala, Kailashahar and Belonia would require coordinated action between India and Bangladesh, as the drainage systems of these towns are interconnected across the international border.

Addressing a brainstorming session on waterlogging in Agartala, Gitte said most of the city's stormwater flows into Bangladesh through channels such as Kalapania and Katakhal, where inadequate drainage leads to flooding on both sides of the border.

He said officials from Bangladesh have shown willingness to discuss joint measures during meetings of the Joint River Commission and border district-level forums. According to him, projects could be funded either by the Bangladesh government or by the Government of India, citing the India-funded Akhaura-Agartala railway project as an example of bilateral cooperation.

Gitte said the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, has been tasked with studying Agartala's waterlogging problem and recommending long-term solutions.

He also said plugging the remaining 650-metre gap in the northern embankment of the Howrah river, after rehabilitation of affected families, would significantly reduce flooding in several parts of Agartala. However, he cautioned that the measure could increase water pressure on the southern bank, requiring additional planning.

On drinking water supply, Gitte said Agartala currently meets around 70-80 percent of its demand through existing infrastructure. With the city's population and daily floating population increasing, the government is planning to augment supplies by drawing surface water from the Gomati and exploring other river sources.

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