Tripura’s PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte is preparing to visit several border villages in the state’s Sepahijala district following growing public concern over the construction of an embankment across the border in Bangladesh. The development has sparked widespread alarm among locals, who fear the structure might lead to heavy waterlogging and eventual flooding in their farmlands and homes during the upcoming monsoon season. The villagers have voiced their anxiety over the potential impact this embankment may have on their livelihoods, and have called on the state government to take immediate measures to address the issue.
The embankment built across the international border reportedly obstructs natural water flow. Residents of villages such as Kalamchoura, Tarapur, and Boxanagar claim that the structure poses a serious flood risk, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Their fear stems from past experiences of water accumulation during monsoons, and they worry that the new embankment could worsen the situation by blocking the discharge path for excess rainwater. These communities, whose lives revolve around agriculture, are anxious about potential crop loss and property damage if preventive action is not taken soon.
During the upcoming visit, Kiran Gitte will assess the situation on the ground. Officials from the Water Resources and PWD departments are expected to accompany him. The inspection aims to gauge the scale of threat posed by the embankment and explore long-term infrastructural solutions, including a proposal for building a new canal system to divert floodwaters safely away from residential and agricultural zones. Local administrative officers have assured the public that the matter has been raised with the Ministry of External Affairs and diplomatic channels will be explored to ensure that both countries work in sync to address cross-border water management.
The villagers have welcomed the news of the official visit but insist that on-ground action must follow swiftly. Farmers in the area have stated that they cannot afford to lose another season to waterlogging. With the monsoon approaching rapidly, the pressure on the administration to act decisively has mounted. Local panchayats have submitted memoranda urging the Tripura government to ensure that any cross-border infrastructure development is closely monitored and does not threaten the environmental balance in Indian territory.
Experts have also begun to weigh in on the situation, pointing out that uncoordinated infrastructure developments across international borders can lead to unintended consequences. Hydrologists have stressed the importance of bilateral coordination between India and Bangladesh, especially in regions where rivers and canals do not respect man-made boundaries. They argue that planning must include environmental studies and joint assessments to avoid conflicts and damage to either side’s ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Tripura officials remain confident about finding a constructive path forward. Kiran Gitte, speaking to the media ahead of his visit, emphasized that the state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of people living in border areas. He mentioned that alternative solutions, including temporary water diversion methods and desilting of nearby drainage channels, are already under consideration. He also confirmed that dialogue with Bangladesh authorities may take place if the embankment is found to be directly affecting Tripura’s flood management system.
Community members continue to hold meetings in the affected villages, mobilizing support and awareness. They have also requested regular updates from the administration and proposed that village representatives be included in planning discussions to ensure their concerns are taken seriously. The growing sense of urgency reflects years of vulnerability to seasonal floods and the challenges of living near an international boundary.
As Tripura gears up for the rainy season, the upcoming visit by the PWD Secretary is expected to offer some clarity and assurance. For the residents of Sepahijala’s border villages, the stakes are high, and their demand is simple — they want protection, participation, and a sustainable plan that will shield them from yet another year of devastating monsoon floods.
In the days leading up to the scheduled visit, state officials have initiated preliminary surveys of the affected villages. Engineers and field staff from the Water Resources Department have begun collecting data on the flow of water channels that traverse the border area. These surveys aim to identify potential blockages and develop a technical response that can be implemented quickly if required. Sources within the department said that satellite imagery and drone mapping may also be used to gain a comprehensive view of the terrain and the impact of the Bangladeshi embankment on natural drainage paths.
Locals have also drawn attention to the lack of basic infrastructure in these vulnerable villages. Many areas do not have reinforced drainage channels or embankments of their own to resist the pressure of rising water levels. They have urged the state government to use this moment to initiate broader development plans for the region, including better roads, embankments, and flood shelters. Leaders from local self-governing bodies have pointed out that years of neglect have made these villages particularly prone to damage from any changes in water flow across the border.
Additionally, civil society groups and environmental organizations have stepped in to offer support. A few non-profit groups based in Agartala have launched awareness campaigns, distributing leaflets and holding small workshops in affected areas. These campaigns educate villagers on how to report waterlogging early and prepare for evacuation in case of flooding. Volunteers have also begun documenting villagers’ stories and collecting photographic evidence of past flood events to support demands for swift intervention.
Politically, the issue has started to gather momentum. Opposition parties in Tripura have accused the ruling government of reacting too slowly to what they describe as a looming disaster. They have demanded that Chief Minister Manik Saha personally intervene and initiate talks with central authorities. BJP leaders, however, maintain that the administration has taken timely steps and is fully committed to resolving the crisis through diplomatic and technical channels.
With monsoon clouds already building on the horizon, the clock is ticking for Tripura’s government. The people of Sepahijala, many of whom rely entirely on seasonal farming, hope the upcoming inspection leads to immediate relief and long-term solutions. For them, the visit of the PWD Secretary is not just a formality — it is a lifeline.