Daijiworld Media Network - Agartala
Agartala, Jul 12: Tripura chief minister Manik Saha on Saturday said the state, particularly its capital Agartala, is emerging as one of the Northeast's key growth centres due to rapid infrastructure expansion and sustained development. He added that the state government is placing equal emphasis on preserving religious heritage while modernising public infrastructure.
The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the Shib Bari Water Reservoir Development and Beautification Project at Shib Bari Square on Central Road in Agartala.
Addressing the gathering, Saha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently prioritised the restoration and development of religious sites across India since taking office in 2014, creating a renewed sense of faith and cultural pride.
He said the Tripura government, after assuming office in 2018, adopted a similar approach by investing in the conservation and development of important religious places across the state.
Highlighting major national initiatives, the Chief Minister referred to the consecration of Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya temple in January 2024, the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, the redevelopment of the Tripura Sundari Temple under the Centre's PRASAD scheme, the modernisation of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, and the beautification of the Maa Sarada Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Saha, many religious sites that had remained neglected for years have received fresh attention and improved infrastructure under the present BJP-led government at the Centre.
He stressed that preserving places of worship while upgrading surrounding facilities helps protect cultural traditions and also strengthens tourism.
As part of these efforts, the state has undertaken the beautification of the Shib Bari Water Reservoir, sanctioned funds for the development of the Fourteen Gods (Chaturdasha Devata) Temple, and initiated work at the Kasbeshwari Temple in Kamalasagar of Sepahijala district. Renovation and beautification of ponds attached to several religious sites are also being carried out, with similar projects planned in the future.
Speaking about Tripura's broader development, Saha said the state has made significant progress in roads, civic amenities and public infrastructure, making it increasingly attractive to tourists and investors alike.
He noted that visitors from across the country have been appreciating the visible transformation in Tripura, while the enthusiastic response to the recently concluded two-day investor summit reflected growing confidence in the state's economic prospects.
The Chief Minister said the government had initially expected around 500 participants at the business summit, but nearly 1,200 delegates from India and abroad attended the event.
He added that Prime Minister Modi had expressed satisfaction over the summit's success. While the government's target was to attract investment proposals worth Rs 1 lakh crore, the event generated investment intentions of nearly Rs 1.21 lakh crore.
"With the pace of development being witnessed in Agartala and across Tripura, the state is well positioned to emerge as one of the leading destinations in the Northeast," Saha said.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Agartala Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Deputy Mayor Manika Das Datta, Central Zone Chairman Ratna Datta, Urban Development Department Secretary Milind Ramteke, Tripura Jal Board CEO Mihir Kanti Gop, Agartala Municipal Corporation Commissioner Saju Wahid A, along with other public representatives and senior government officials.