Agartala, Mar 29: Tripura’s progressive efforts in water conservation and rural electrification earned nationwide recognition on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted two standout initiatives from the state during the 132nd episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

The Prime Minister applauded the people of Vangmun village in the Jampui Hills for their exemplary rainwater harvesting efforts, as well as the successful implementation of solar mini-grids in Reang tribal villages under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Modi described these efforts as “a source of pride for the entire state.”

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who joined the programme from Lankamura, welcomed the Prime Minister’s appreciation and termed it a strong motivation for the state to further promote community-led sustainable development initiatives.

The Prime Minister said: During the broadcast, the Prime Minister Modi said, Vangmun village, located in the Jampui Hills of Tripura, lies at an altitude of about 3,000 feet. This village was facing a severe water crisis.

During the summer season, the villagers had to travel long distances to collect water. Finally, the people of the village decided to conserve every drop of rainwater. Today, Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Systems have been installed in nearly every household of Vangmun village.

The village that once struggled with water scarcity has now become an inspiring example of water conservation, he noted.

He also emphasized the transformative impact of clean energy and said, the benefits of the ‘PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme’ are also reaching the North Eastern regions.

"In Tripura, there were several villages of the Reang tribe where electricity was a major problem. Now, through solar mini-grids, homes in those villages have regular lighting. Children can now study even after evening. People are able to charge their mobile phones, and the social life of the village has also changed significantly, the Prime Minister noted," he said.