Tripura public works experts visit Bangladesh dam construction site

While the Border Security Force (BSF) has not taken any “harsh” steps in response to reports on the construction of a dam along the border between Bangladesh and Kailashahar in Unakoti district, the Tripura government is monitoring the development.

A team of experts from the water resources division of the State’s Public Works Department (PWD) visited Kailashahar in Unakoti district on Monday (January 20, 2025) to assess the situation first-hand. They are expected to submit a report to the State government.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, during his visit to New Delhi on Saturday (January 18, 2025), informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah of the issue, two days after it was discussed in the recently concluded winter session of the State Assembly. Birajit Sinha, Congress MLA representing Kailashahar, alleged that the dam, which is being built in proximity to the border, could lead to serious waterlogging during winter in his constituency.

However, the BSF has described the dam as an elevated mud pathway for the movement of pedestrians and small vehicles in Safipur in Moulavi district of Bangladesh. BSF personnel have not held a flag meeting with their counterparts in Bangladesh to discuss the issue.

Opposition Congress leader Birajit Sinha and his party colleague and Zilla Parishad member Mohammad Badruzaman have repeatedly expressed concern over the potential threat of waterlogging in Kailashahar during the monsoon season. The Congress has alleged that the authorities were intentionally taking a soft stance on the issue as the area is its stronghold.