The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) has launched a major initiative to convert around 5,000 electricity-powered drinking water pumps into solar-powered systems, a move aimed at reducing the state’s electricity expenditure and ensuring a more reliable water supply in remote areas.
The Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) Department currently operates nearly 10,000 conventional water pumps across Tripura and spends around Rs 125 crore annually on electricity to run them.
TREDA Director General Debabrata Sukladas said the initiative was taken following a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manik Saha, during which the high electricity costs incurred by the DWS Department were discussed. Acting on the Chief Minister’s directive, TREDA initiated the programme to convert at least 5,000 water pumps to solar-powered systems.
The first phase of the project will involve the conversion of 2,300 small-bore water pumps at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore. Sukladas said the tender for the project has already been floated and work is expected to begin shortly. TREDA plans to complete the first phase during the 2026–28 financial period.
According to the agency, converting the initial 2,300 pumps to solar power is expected to reduce the DWS Department’s annual electricity expenditure by around Rs 5 crore.
Besides lowering operating costs, the project is expected to improve the availability of drinking water in remote and hilly areas, where extending conventional power infrastructure is often difficult and economically unviable. Sukladas said solar-powered systems would provide a dependable source of energy for water supply in such locations while significantly reducing recurring expenses.
TREDA currently generates around 37 MW of solar power in the state and is continuing efforts to expand Tripura’s renewable energy capacity.
Sukladas also said the renewable energy sector attracted considerable investor interest during the Destination Tripura: Business Conclave held last month. According to him, the state’s power sector received investment proposals worth nearly Rs 17,000 crore, with a significant share earmarked for solar energy projects.
He added that TREDA is now working to translate those investment commitments into projects on the ground to strengthen Tripura’s renewable energy infrastructure.
