Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Monday blamed the erstwhile Left Front government for not solving the water crisis faced by the indigenous people living in the hamlets of the state.

Addressing an event on loan distribution ceremony and blood donation camp organised by the SC Cooperation Development Welfare here in the morning, Deb said even after more than 70 years since Independence, 70 per cent of people living in different tribal areas across the state were facing drinking water problems just because of “low mentality” of the previous Left Front government.

“The party (CPM), which failed to provide even basic amenities, including drinking water, to people in 25 years, now raises questions and misguides people on the current development status. I have visited several tribal areas in rural parts of the state. More than 70 per cent people living in such areas have demanded drinking water facilities.”

Deb said his government had introduced Atal Jaldhara Mission within 20 months of its formation to ensure drinking water facilities to every household by December 2022.