Agartala (Tripura) [India], April 23 (ANI): Tripura's Public Works Department Secretary, Kiran Gitte, announced that the embankment projects for all rivers in the state are underway. These projects include the construction of new river embankments as well as the renovation of the existing ones.

The projects were introduced in response to devastating flash floods that hit Tripura last year, in 2024.

'After flash floods struck Tripura last year in August 2024, the projects are underway for the construction and renovation of river embankments near all villages and cities. After the recent incident in Belonia, the infrastructural works in the town have been sped up, especially at the Manu river in Kailashahar and Muhuri river in Belonia. We are aiming to finish the construction work within next two months, so that the locals won't have to face much difficulty during the next rainy season.'

The PWD secretary also urged the residents of Belonia to neither panic nor believe in any rumours, since 'the state government has been looking into the matter'.

'We take responsibility that no major damage will be caused during the upcoming rainy season. I also request people to cooperate with the state government so that the construction work is completed as soon as possible,' he remarked.

Gitte was possibly speaking in response to the news of Bangladesh building an embankment on the Muhuri river near Belonia.

He further added that the project will aim to construct embankments near Kailashahar, Agartala, Belonia, Sonamura, among others. According to Gitte, an amount worth Rs. 1.5 crore have been allocated for the same. He assured everyone not to worry, as additional funds can be arranged if necessary.

Last year, in August 2024, continuous rainfall and unprecedented floods in Tripura led to the displacement of over 72,000 people and caused heavy damage. Hundreds of people were displaced from the Belonia town. (ANI)