Agartala: As relentless monsoons continue to batter Tripura, causing widespread inundation, former Chief Minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP from West Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, visited several flood-affected areas and relief camps in Agartala today. He personally interacted with affected families, taking stock of their well-being and distributing crucial food and essential supplies, offering a beacon of hope amidst the deluge.
Addressing the media, Deb acknowledged the unavoidable nature of natural calamities like floods but lauded the current state administration’s “commendable steps” in providing timely relief and support to the victims. He drew a sharp contrast with past scenarios, noting that floodwaters in Agartala, which historically stagnated for nearly five days, now recede within a mere two to three hours. This significant improvement, he asserted, is a testament to the current government’s “vision” and its proactive initiatives in upgrading drainage infrastructure and implementing robust flood mitigation projects.
Recalling his own tenure as Chief Minister, Deb shed light on a crucial, albeit delayed, flood management initiative. He mentioned that a comprehensive flood mitigation project for the Haora River, sanctioned with support from the DONER Ministry, had seen its Detailed Project Report (DPR) completed during his leadership. However, due to unforeseen local protests and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project’s execution faced considerable delays. “Had it been completed on time, the situation would have been much better today,” he stated, reflecting on the potential impact of timely infrastructure development.
During his visit to a relief camp at Hrishi Colony in Pratapgarh English Medium School, Agartala, which is currently sheltering a staggering 482 families, comprising approximately 2,000 individuals, Deb expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements. He observed that the residents were being “well looked after by the administration,” adding that the state government’s provisions were “very good” and had garnered widespread satisfaction among the displaced. While conceding that “some small mistakes may happen” during times of crisis, he underscored the collective responsibility of all to unite and assist those in distress.
Deb further attributed the administration’s effective response to the early onset of the monsoon this year, which presented additional challenges. He specifically highlighted the instrumental role played by the “installation of pumps and redevelopment of ponds under the Smart City Mission” in significantly aiding crisis management. Speaking to ANI, Deb confirmed that flood-hit families are now making preparations to return to their homes, with all necessary arrangements facilitated by the government. He assured that upon their return, these “hardworking people who earn through labour” would clean and resume their normal lives.
Providing further reassurance, Deb announced a comprehensive relief package meticulously prepared by the government. This package, designed to sustain affected families for a period of up to 24 days, includes essential commodities such as rice, lentils, potatoes, soybeans, spices, and other staples. He also confirmed that “proper arrangements for drinking water and medicines have also been made.” Concluding his assessment, Deb affirmed the overall positive situation in the camps, noting that interactions with residents had confirmed timely access to proper food and medical aid, unequivocally stating, “The government has truly taken care of the people.”
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