Tripura Constructs 443 Check Dams Under Indo-German Development Project

Since 2022, the Tripura government has been actively implementing the Indo-German Development Cooperation (IGDC) initiative by constructing 443 earthen check dams in Dhalai and North Tripura districts. This initiative forms part of a larger effort to enhance environmental sustainability, improve water management, and support rural livelihoods. The ultimate target of the project is to construct 645 check dams. Launched in 2020 with a seven-year timeline and funded with Rs 280 crore through external aid, the project aims to regulate water flow, minimize soil erosion, and promote sustainable forest management practices in the region.

According to S. Prabhu, Project Director of the IGDC initiative, these check dams serve multiple purposes. They support local fisheries, enhance irrigation for nearby agricultural fields, and improve water availability for domestic consumption. Additionally, the dams help retain soil moisture, sustain rain-fed crops, facilitate multiple cropping cycles, and support livestock. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates a holistic strategy to combine environmental conservation with socioeconomic development in the districts.

Of the 443 check dams completed so far, 427 have been deemed suitable for fish farming across 126 villages. The project has also incorporated capacity-building programs on fisheries, which have received positive responses from the local communities. Residents have benefitted from training sessions and support related to fish farming, which not only boosts local nutrition but also provides a supplementary source of income for households dependent on aquaculture.

The IGDC initiative facilitates the distribution of fingerlings of commercially important fish species such as rohu, catla, grass carp, mrigal carp, and common carp. Along with fingerlings, the project provides fish feed, lime for water quality management, and fishing nets. These resources are distributed with the approval and support of the German development bank KfW, which is a key partner in the project. By integrating fishery support with water conservation measures, the project ensures that check dams serve both ecological and economic functions.

The IGDC check dam initiative is part of a broader project titled “Climate Resilience of Forest Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Adaptive Capacities of Forest Dependent Communities in Tripura”. Covering 129 villages, the project focuses on improving environmental conditions, strengthening community resilience, and promoting sustainable use of natural resources. Through interventions like check dam construction and fishery development, the project addresses multiple challenges, including climate variability, resource scarcity, and rural livelihood security.

Tripura’s fish production has shown incremental growth as a result of such interventions, rising from 82,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 83,000 metric tonnes in 2023. However, despite this increase, the state still faces a shortfall of approximately 31,000 metric tonnes, compared to the total demand of 1.17 lakh metric tonnes. This gap is currently bridged through imports from other Indian states and Bangladesh, highlighting the ongoing need to enhance local production and strengthen the fisheries sector.

In conclusion, the IGDC check dam initiative in Tripura represents a successful integration of environmental management, water conservation, and community development. By constructing earthen check dams, promoting fish farming, and building local capacities, the project addresses both ecological sustainability and rural livelihoods. While progress has been significant, with 443 dams completed and fisheries supported in over 126 villages, the state continues to face challenges in meeting the full demand for fish. Nevertheless, the project demonstrates how collaborative international development efforts can create meaningful and lasting impacts on both communities and ecosystems.