A meeting was held at the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) conference hall with corporators from various wards to discuss the successful implementation of state and central government schemes aimed at uplifting scheduled caste (SC) communities. The meeting focused on developing marginalised sections of society and ensuring that government facilities reach the common people in all 51 wards under the AMC.
Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta emphasised the importance of empowering scheduled caste communities and reducing poverty through the generation of additional employment opportunities and income-generating schemes. She highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) as a key initiative in this regard.
Regarding the recent waterlogging situation in the city following heavy rainfall, the Deputy Mayor informed me that the AMC has taken various initiatives to drain the accumulated water.
Currently, the AMC possesses 16 pump machines, including 5 diesel-powered and 11 electric ones, to address heavy rainwater drainage in Agartala. Additionally, there are 5 motorised boats, 15 life jackets, 2 sky lifts for tree felling, and 4 dedicated flood and disaster response teams in different zones.
Mayor Dipak Majumder, Additional Municipal Commissioner Mohammad Sajjad P., and other officials also conducted visits to various areas of the capital city to assess the situation.
Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta further informed that the Akhaura canal and Kalapaniya canal had already been cleaned using modern machines. The AMC ensures the cleanliness of the 21 medium drains through outsourcing agencies and relies on its cleaning staff to maintain the cleanliness of the 22 small drains.
She appealed to the public not to dispose of plastic carry bags and other items in drains, as they contribute to blockages and exacerbate waterlogging issues.
In related news, Sadar SDM Arup Deb announced that the Sadar Sub-Divisional Administration has five boats and 10 civil defence volunteers on standby to tackle floods. The administration also possesses 10 Apada Mitras and 4 tree-cutting machines to aid in emergency situations.
