Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday, 23 August toured flood-affected localities and relief camps in West Tripura district, pledging that the state government would pursue permanent structural measures to end the cycle of recurring floods that has repeatedly battered the region. The visit came as the Haora river crossed its danger mark following heavy rainfall over the Barmura Hills, inundating several areas in West Tripura and Khowai districts.

Ground Situation

Chief Minister Saha inspected relief camps at Vivekananda School in Bardowali and Ashram Chowmuhani, where he spoke directly with displaced residents and assessed the adequacy of relief operations. According to the Chief Minister, 17 relief camps have been opened across the affected areas, currently sheltering 413 families comprising 1,305 people. Arrangements for food — including baby food — have been made at the camps.

'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,' Saha told reporters. He noted that the water level in the Haora river, though it had crossed the danger mark, was 'gradually receding, which is a good sign.'

Relief and Rescue Operations

Disaster response teams have been deployed on the ground and boats pressed into service for evacuation and relief delivery. The Chief Minister confirmed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been kept on standby to respond to any escalation. '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,' Saha said.

He directed officials to ensure that affected residents receive all essential assistance without delay. Revenue, Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Department Secretary Milind Ramteke, West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar, and other senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.

Permanent Solution Under Study

Saha acknowledged that flooding in Tripura follows a recurring pattern — the August 2024 floods struck the same districts under similar conditions — and said the state government was examining structural interventions beyond the embankments already constructed. '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,' he said.

The administration is coordinating across the District Magistrate, Revenue Department, and state disaster management machinery to deliver immediate relief while longer-term flood-mitigation options are assessed. The situation in West Tripura remains under close watch as authorities monitor river levels and the possibility of further rainfall.