Tripura to build two dams on river Howrah: CM

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb today said his government has drawn up an ambitious project of constructing two dams on river Howrah to increase its water-carrying capacity and navigability.

"We have observed that a large part of the capital and its outskirts are flooded due to swelling of the river during rainy season, and in dry season, there is hardly any water even for supply to the water treatment plants," he said.

The two dams will be built near the source of the river at Baramura hills, Deb told reporters here.

He said one dam would be of 25 metre height and the other would be of 15 metre, and the project would be completed in two years.

Altogether Rs 150 crore would be spent to construct the dams.

The chief minister said following the construction of the two dams, a huge quantity of water would be stored that would fulfil the demands of drinking water for Agartala residents and the city's outskirts.

The dams would also improve navigability of the river and enlarge the scope for development of tourism.

"The riversides would be decorated, embankments would be constructed and provision for boat ride up to 25 km would be created to attract tourists.

"We have attached maximum importance on developing tourism in the state for employment generation," Deb said.