In a concerted effort to restore public spaces and ensure the smooth movement of pedestrians and traffic, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) conducted an anti-encroachment drive led by Additional Commissioner Muhammad Sajjad P, directed by AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder. The operation, supported by law enforcement and security personnel, successfully demolished numerous shops and stalls that had been illegally constructed on public property.
The targeted operation took place in the Battala Mahadev Bari – Dashamighat Road and Ambedkar School area, with the primary goal of reclaiming roadside areas designated for pedestrians. AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder articulated the purpose of the drive, stating, “The drive is aimed to make the city clean and free for uninterrupted movement of traffic and common people.”
Majumder emphasized that the drive’s objective was to remove unauthorized encroachments on roads and footpaths, which hindered the free flow of people. He clarified that only individuals possessing valid vendor licenses and conducting business within specified vendor zones would be permitted to operate their shops or stalls.
Highlighting the municipality’s support for street vendors, Majumder clarified, “We are not against any businessmen, and also the drive is not targeting street vendors as they are protected under the Tripura Street Vendors Act.” He noted that AMC had issued identity cards and designated appropriate areas for street vendors to conduct their businesses. However, the drive’s focus remains on dismantling illegal encroachments causing traffic disruptions.
Furthermore, Mayor Dipak Majumder announced a new regulation stating, “No fast-food shop in the city will be allowed to remain open after 11:00 pm at night.” This measure aims to combat the issue of rampant drug abuse in the city and its adjacent areas.
In a proactive step towards ensuring unobstructed pedestrian pathways, Majumder revealed that all stalls and shops positioned on the roadside covering drains would be cleared starting from Saturday evening.
Highlighting the commitment of the state government, AMC, and the traffic department to beautify the city and alleviate traffic congestion, Mayor Dipak Majumder assured that the anti-encroachment drive would continue in major areas of the city until the Durga Puja festival, ensuring a cleaner, more accessible urban environment for all residents.
