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The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) has launched a programme to convert around 5,000 electricity-operated drinking water pumps into solar-powered systems to reduce the state's energy expenditure on water supply infrastructure. The initiative follows a directive issued during a recent review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manik Saha. As the first phase, TREDA has initiated the conversion of 2,300 small-bore water pumps at an estimated cost of INR 60 crore, with work expected to begin shortly and continue through FY 2026–28. The project is expected to lower electricity consumption, improve water supply reliability in remote areas and contribute to the state's broader renewable energy expansion.
The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) has launched a programme to convert around 5,000 electricity-powered drinking water pumps into solar-powered systems, aiming to reduce the state's electricity expenditure and improve the reliability of water supply, particularly in remote areas. The initiative was announced on Wednesday and follows a directive issued during a recent review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manik Saha.
According to TREDA, the Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) Department currently operates nearly 10,000 conventional water pumps across Tripura and spends approximately INR 125 crore annually on electricity to run the network. The conversion programme is intended to lower this recurring expenditure while increasing the use of renewable energy in public infrastructure.
TREDA Director General Debabrata Sukladas said the decision to convert at least 5,000 pumps was taken after the high operating costs of the state's drinking water network were reviewed by the Chief Minister. He stated that the agency has already initiated the first phase of the programme, under which 2,300 small-bore water pumps will be converted into solar-powered units at an estimated project cost of INR 60 crore.
Sukladas said the tender for the project has already been floated and on-site work is expected to commence shortly. He added that the first phase is targeted for completion during FY 2026–28. According to TREDA, converting these 2,300 pumps alone is expected to reduce the DWS Department's annual electricity expenditure by around INR 5 crore.
The agency noted that maintaining conventional electricity supply to drinking water pumps located in remote hilly regions remains a significant operational challenge. It also pointed out that extending grid infrastructure to sparsely populated areas is often not economically viable. Solar-powered pumping systems are expected to provide a more dependable water supply in such locations while lowering operating costs by reducing dependence on grid electricity.
TREDA currently has around 37 MW of installed solar power generation capacity across the state. The agency is also seeking to expand renewable energy deployment following increased investor interest in the sector.
Sukladas said the state's power sector received investment proposals worth approximately INR 17,000 crore during the 'Destination Tripura: Business Conclave' held last month. He added that a significant proportion of these proposals relates to solar energy projects and that the agency is working to convert the investment commitments into projects that can be implemented across the state.
Source - PTI
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