Agartala: As the monsoon clouds gather, Tripura is showcasing an unprecedented level of preparedness to tackle any severe flood situation, a stark contrast to the recent deluges that crippled neighbouring states. Under the vigilant leadership of Chief Minister Manik Saha, who also chairs the State Disaster Management Authority, the state has adopted an all-hands-on-deck approach, radiating confidence in its enhanced infrastructure, bolstered resources, and seamless coordination across various government agencies and a burgeoning force of civil volunteers.
The memory of devastating floods in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, which left thousands displaced and road networks in tatters, serves as a poignant reminder for Tripura. While the state itself experienced waterlogging and disruptions, sheltering nearly 1,000 families in government relief camps in the past, this year’s strategy is built on learning from those trying times. Senior officials, including Brijesh Pandey (IAS), Secretary & Member of the State Executive Committee; Vishal Kumar (IAS), DM & Collector of West Tripura and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority; and AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder, along with dedicated teams from NDRF, SDRF, and Civil Defence Volunteers, are maintaining a relentless 24×7 vigil across all flood-prone and sensitive areas.
Speaking exclusively to ANI, West Tripura DM Vishal Kumar underscored the significant upgrades in the state’s preparedness. “Last year in August, we faced heavy rainfall. This year, we have expanded our resources substantially. We now have over thirty high-grade boats, more than 500 trained personnel, and have strengthened embankments in multiple vulnerable zones. NGOs and local clubs have been trained to assist, and relief centres like schools have been upgraded to better support displaced residents. We are fully committed to offering the best possible support,” he affirmed, highlighting a proactive stance derived from past experiences.
Echoing this robust confidence, Brijesh Pandey elaborated on the comprehensive flood management strategy meticulously developed over the past several months. “We began preparing two to three months ago, learning from last year’s gaps. All levels of administration—from the state to the block and subdivision levels—have been briefed and aligned under a clear set of instructions. A key focus has been improving real-time data access via the IMD, expanding communication channels like SMS alerts and ham radios, and increasing the number of trained Civil Defence volunteers from 1,000 to 2,500, with plans for further expansion,” Pandey detailed. Recognizing communication as a critical challenge during disasters, he added, “We have diversified communication methods—including satellite links and wireless systems—and stationed NDRF teams strategically to ensure quick response times.”
Pandey further highlighted the state’s focus on post-disaster response. “We’ve built shelter houses in almost every panchayat with a capacity for 4-5 lakh people and empowered District Magistrates with the authority to make emergency procurements. A total of Rs 14 crore has been sanctioned so far for emergency preparedness,” he revealed, showcasing a holistic approach to disaster mitigation. On the ground, Civil Defence teams are proving to be pivotal. Uttam Bhattacharjee, Civil Defence Instructor for West Tripura, reported strong readiness, stating, “We are well-prepared with adequate manpower and boats. Our Civil Defence team under SDM Sadar subdivision is fully engaged, with about 50 volunteers ready and equipped. The feedback from our last flood response has been very positive.” The Chief Minister’s strong emphasis on community engagement and first-responder readiness has truly resonated across all departments, ensuring NGOs and local clubs are now seamlessly integrated into the state’s comprehensive disaster management framework. As monsoon rains loom in the weeks ahead, Tripura’s government and civil society stand unified and determined, armed with invaluable lessons, reinforced infrastructure, and a well-trained army of responders, ready to shield its people from the worst of nature’s fury.
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