Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Monday said that he will speak with senior leaders in Centre to introduce the Smart City Mission project 2.0 to carry out more development works in the state.

Dr Saha said this after laying the foundation stones for the development and beautification of Shiv Bari Pond on Central Road, a lake in Ujan Abhoynagar, and the Veterinary Hospital Lake under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme.

“Under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, three ponds will be developed and beautified in Agartala city. We have received 90% of the funds from the Centre and 10% from the state. Similarly, the Smart City Mission project is ongoing. Around Rs 500 Crore was provided to our state under the Smart City Mission Project. Through this mission, we have developed many things. I will speak with our leaders in Delhi for Smart City 2.0, similar to AMRUT 2.0, so that we can continue more development works,” said Dr. Saha.

He further mentioned that people visiting from outside are impressed by the development in Tripura.

“Tripura has changed significantly in terms of law and order and development. We are continuously conducting development works because PM Modi emphasizes development. We must take responsibility to maintain our lakes and ponds and ensure their beautification. Whenever floods occur, people criticize us, but what do we see? A huge amount of garbage, bottles, debris, etc. Everyone must take responsibility. Why was there no development or maintenance of ponds in and around Agartala earlier? We do not want to politicize development,” said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister also expressed that people will always remember PM Modi for his development work.

Regarding the first kidney transplantation, Dr Saha, who is also the Health Minister of Tripura, said, “We have signed a MoU with Shija Hospitals and Research Institute of Manipur. A 12-member team came here for the first kidney transplant at GB Pant Hospital, which started at 8 am today. The patient is the son, and the donor is his mother. We have also sent urologists, nephrologists, along with nurses and other staff to Manipur for training. Now they will work with the 12 members of the Manipur team, and after completing a tenure, our Tripura team will be permitted to work independently. I am hopeful the operation will be successful.”

Dr. Saha also criticized a section of people who do not want development. “Without transparency, this government will not provide jobs. What happened earlier? Youths needed to attend rallies and gatherings, or else they wouldn't get jobs. We have brought ILS and TMC under the CM Jan Arogya Yojana Scheme, and we will gradually implement it in other places,” he added.