The Tripura Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of alleged illegal construction at College Tilla Lake, Agartala, citing violations of environmental laws and human rights. Activists claim the project threatens biodiversity, public health, and cultural heritage. State authorities have been asked to respond within 15 days.
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a complaint regarding alleged unscientific and illegal construction activities around the historic College Tilla Lake, also known as MBB College Lake, located in the heart of Agartala. The development has sparked growing concern among environmental activists and civil society groups over potential ecological damage and human rights violations.
Headed by retired High Court Justice Arindam Lodh, the THRC has issued notices to multiple state authorities and the Agartala Smart City Limited, calling for detailed responses within 15 days. The Commission stated that the alleged violations indicate a serious imbalance in the local environment and endanger the survival of several species.
The complaint was filed by Nikhil Debnath and Jayanta Bhattacharjee, president and secretary respectively of the “Forum for Protection of Environment and Water Bodies,” a local civil society organization based in Kalyani, Dhaleswar, Agartala. The activists are demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing construction activities, citing breaches of multiple environmental and legal frameworks.
Ecological and Cultural Significance of College Tilla Lake
College Tilla Lake is a natural wetland located on land historically donated by the Maharaja of Tripura for educational and public purposes. It holds critical ecological significance as a habitat for over 28 species of migratory birds, including rare avian visitors from Siberia and the Central Asian Flyway (CAF). The lake is also home to bat colonies and has been designated a Biodiversity Sensitive Zone by the Tripura Forest Department.
Environmentalists argue that the lake plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, climate regulation, and air purification. It also serves as an urban recreational and educational space for nearby communities, further cementing its importance as a public resource.
Allegations of Legal and Environmental Violations
According to the complaint, the ongoing construction activities, including concrete structures in a designated public zone (Zone B), artificial bridges, and unscientific lighting systems, are posing irreversible threats to the lake’s fragile ecosystem. The activists allege that these activities amount to a violation of the right to life — which, under Indian constitutional interpretation, includes the right to a healthy environment. The complaint cites the Supreme Court’s 1999 ruling (SC812) to reinforce this point.
Additionally, the activists assert that the construction violates several statutory frameworks, including:
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Tripura Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960
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Tripura Building Rules, 2017
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Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017
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Environment Protection Act, 1986
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Biological Diversity Act, 2002
These laws prohibit permanent construction, solid waste disposal, and unauthorized encroachments in and around notified wetland areas. The complainants argue that the violations not only endanger the lake’s biodiversity but also compromise the rights to health, education, and culture of residents in surrounding areas — especially children and the elderly.
THRC’s Intervention and Next Steps
After reviewing the complaint and supporting documents, which allegedly highlight inaction by the CEO of Agartala Smart City Limited and the District Magistrate of West Tripura, the THRC decided to intervene. The Commission expressed concern that the ongoing activities could lead to the extinction of several species and disrupt the ecological balance of the region.
Copies of the complaint have been forwarded to key government departments, including:
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The Secretary, Urban Development Department
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The Secretary, Revenue Department
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The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)
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The CEO, Agartala Smart City Limited
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The District Magistrate & Collector, West Tripura
All these authorities have been instructed to respond to the Commission within 15 days. The THRC will decide on the next course of action based on the responses received.
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As the issue unfolds, it brings to the forefront the tension between urban development and environmental preservation in Tripura’s capital. With growing public scrutiny and legal frameworks backing ecological conservation, the responses from state authorities will likely set an important precedent for urban planning and environmental governance in the region.
