Tripura is battling a twin narrative this week with devastating floods hitting South Tripura district, leading to the evacuation of 380 residents to government relief camps, even as Director General of Police (DGP) Amitabh Ranjan reported an encouraging decline in the state’s crime rates by 8–10 per cent over the last six months.
Flood Situation Turns Grim In South Tripura
The South Tripura district administration, under District Magistrate Saju Vaheed, has set up multiple relief camps to accommodate affected families from submerged low-lying villages. Heavy rains triggered by a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal have caused:
- Overflowing of local rivers including Feni, Muhuri, and Gomti.
- Inundation of Belonia, Sabroom, and Rajnagar blocks, disrupting road connectivity.
- Damage to hundreds of acres of standing paddy and vegetable crops.
Current Flood Impact Summary
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| People in relief camps | 380 |
| Blocks affected | Belonia, Sabroom, Rajnagar |
| Crops damaged (approx) | 225 hectares |
| Schools closed | 12 primary schools in submerged zones |
| Relief measures | Dry food, drinking water, tarpaulin sheets distributed |
| Alert status | IMD Red Alert for heavy rain continues till July 10 |
South Tripura DM stated that no casualties have been reported so far, but NDRF teams remain on standby for rescue operations if water levels rise further.
Statewide Disaster Preparedness And Police Response
DGP Amitabh Ranjan, in his press briefing yesterday, mentioned that Tripura Police units are actively coordinating with district administrations to ensure:
- Safe evacuation in flood-prone areas.
- Security deployment at relief camps to prevent theft and maintain order.
- Emergency traffic management on NH-8 where floodwaters have entered portions of the highway.
“We are ensuring smooth relief operations and public order simultaneously. Our forces are fully mobilised,” said DGP Ranjan.
Crime Rate Decline: A Positive Amid Natural Calamity
In a silver lining for the state, the DGP revealed that Tripura has recorded an overall crime rate reduction of nearly 10 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to last year.
Key Crime Data (Jan–June 2025 vs 2024)
| Crime Type | Jan–June 2024 | Jan–June 2025 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total registered crimes | 6,950 | 6,275 | -9.7% |
| Theft & Burglary | 1,250 | 1,060 | -15.2% |
| Crimes against women | 1,010 | 980 | -3.0% |
| NDPS (narcotics cases) | 460 | 500 | +8.7% |
While most crime categories saw a decline, narcotics-related cases rose by nearly 9 per cent, indicating intensified anti-drug operations rather than increased smuggling alone. The police seized drugs worth Rs 45 crore during this period.
Integrated Policing And Disaster Management Strategy
Tripura Police’s community policing teams are working with local Panchayats and volunteers for flood monitoring and emergency evacuations, showcasing the integration of security and humanitarian response.
Key measures include:
- Deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in flood-hit areas to assist rescue efforts.
- Police pickets at submerged markets to prevent looting or exploitation of distressed shopkeepers.
- Real-time communication between district police stations and the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) for swift deployment of resources.
Political And Public Reactions
- Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha conducted aerial surveys of flood-affected Belonia and Sabroom, promising immediate compensation for crop loss under SDRF norms.
- Opposition CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury criticised the state for inadequate flood mitigation infrastructure despite repeated monsoon devastations.
- Congress Spokesperson Ashish Saha called for long-term embankment strengthening projects to prevent annual displacement.
Historical Flood Impact In South Tripura
| Year | Affected Population | Relief Camps Setup | Crop Damage (Ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 600 | 5 | 180 |
| 2020 | 420 | 4 | 190 |
| 2022 | 500 | 6 | 210 |
| 2025 (current) | 380 | 3 (till now) | 225 |
Flooding remains an annual challenge for Tripura, particularly South and Gomati districts, due to undulating terrain, poor drainage, and heavy cross-border rainfall inflow from Bangladesh catchment zones.
Future Preparedness Plans
The DGP outlined upcoming strategic initiatives:
- Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS): Real-time river level sensors to alert vulnerable villages 24 hours in advance.
- Body-Worn Cameras: To ensure transparency during evacuation operations and relief distribution.
- Community Flood Volunteer Corps: Local youth to be trained in rescue, first aid, and crowd management.
Civil Society Voices
Rights activist Purnima Das praised the administration’s quick evacuation efforts but stressed on safe sanitation facilities in relief camps, especially for women and children to prevent health outbreaks post-flooding.
Shopkeepers in Belonia market expressed concerns over rising vegetable prices due to crop loss, which may affect consumer demand and household budgets in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
Tripura stands at a critical juncture this monsoon, balancing between its commendable drop in crime rates and the urgency of flood disaster management. While law and order remains under control, ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of hundreds displaced by floods will remain the state’s immediate focus.
Disclaimer
This news content has been prepared using official state police briefings, district disaster management updates, and stakeholder comments. It is intended solely for informational and journalistic purposes. Readers are advised to follow formal government notifications and IMD alerts for personal safety and disaster preparedness.
