The present government is working continuously to develop Agartala city and the state's peripheral urban areas as modern, eco-friendly and aesthetically attractive places, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said on Saturday.
He said, the state government's main goal is not merely to construct infrastructure or concrete buildings, but to improve people's quality of life, protect the city's natural balance and ensure overall urban development.
The Chief Minister said this today after inaugurating the comprehensive renovation, modernisation and beautification project of the heritage pond adjacent to Ujan Abhoynagar Bazar.
At the event, the Chief Minister said that, due to lack of maintenance, neglect and poor planning, many heritage ponds and water bodies in Agartala and across the state had come under threat in the past. The filling up of water bodies damaged the natural environment and also caused drainage problems during the monsoon. Since the present state government took charge, a special drive has begun, through joint efforts of the Agartala Municipal Corporation and related departments, to identify the city's old and important water bodies and to restore and revive them.
Speaking about the beautification of the Ujan Abhoynagar Bazar pond, the Chief Minister said that under the AMRUT 2.0 project, the pond's surroundings have been paved, and a walking path, adequate lighting, seating benches and a green garden have been created. This has produced a pleasant environment for morning walks and evening relaxation for shoppers and local residents. The overall look of the area has also changed. Expressing gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, the Chief Minister said that the combined efforts of the Centre and the state have opened a new chapter in urbanisation and connectivity in Tripura.
To make Agartala a smart and liveable city, several initiatives are being implemented, including modernising the drainage system, building alternative roads to ease traffic congestion, installing solar power and street lights, and conserving parks and water bodies. Development work is progressing in the same way not only in Agartala, but also in every district headquarters, municipal council and nagar panchayat area of the state.
Addressing citizens, the Chief Minister said that the government is creating development projects and dedicating them to the service of the people, but protecting and keeping these public assets clean is everyone's moral responsibility.
He urged the local traders' association and citizens to cooperate actively in keeping the environment pollution-free by not throwing plastic, thermocol or garbage into or around the pond. At the event, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder said that the pond adjacent to Ujan Abhoynagar Bazar has been renovated, restored and beautified at a cost of over Rs 3 crore under the Central Government's AMRUT scheme. He said this water body, long plagued by illegal encroachment, garbage and environmental pollution, could be made modern and usable through the local corporator's initiative and the Chief Minister's sincere support.
The Mayor said that since the present Municipal Corporation took charge in 2021, work on roads, drainage, drains, street lights and the renovation of abandoned parks and water bodies has been carried out on a priority basis in every ward of the city with the cooperation of the Centre and the state. Ward offices have also been activated to make services more accessible to citizens. Ahead of the upcoming Sharodiya Durga Puja, emphasis is also being placed on repairing the city's roads, controlling traffic congestion and clearing footpaths of illegal encroachment. The Mayor also said that the 'Chief Minister's Cleanliness Award' initiative has been launched to ensure the participation of citizens, local clubs and social organisations in keeping the city clean and pollution-free.
He added that work is under way to restore about 24–25 old water bodies and parks in Agartala and develop them for tourism and recreation. At the start of the event, after unveiling the plaque, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha and the guests present visited the newly refurbished water body. They viewed the development work around the pond, the walking path, the greenery and the various facilities created for citizens.
A documentary on the comprehensive renovation and beautification of the Ujan Abhoynagar Bazar pond was also screened at the event.
Additional Commissioner of the Agartala Municipal Corporation Mihir Kanti Gope delivered the welcome address. Also present were Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, Corporators Hiralal Debnath and Pradip Chanda, Commissioner Saju Wahid A, and other public representatives and officials.