The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has issued notices to top Agartala civic authorities over prolonged drain construction disrupting daily life. Citizens face blocked roads, muddy streets, and sanitation hazards, prompting calls for urgent completion. THRC demands response within 7 days to ensure public rights and safety.
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has stepped in following a series of complaints regarding the prolonged and disruptive drain construction works across Agartala city. On the basis of a formal complaint, the THRC has served notices to three top authorities: the Secretary of Urban Development, the Chief Executive Officer of Agartala Smart City Limited, and the Commissioner of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC).
Justice Arindam Lodh, Chairperson of the THRC, has directed the authorities to respond to the allegations and submit their official replies within seven days from the receipt of the notice. The action came after Jayanta Bhattacharya, Secretary of the environmental group Forum for Protection of Environment and Water Bodies, filed a complaint with the Commission.
In the complaint, Bhattacharya raised serious concerns about the unbearable hardship faced by city residents due to the sluggish pace of the ongoing drain and road construction works. According to him, the problem has been particularly severe during the ongoing monsoon season, as unfinished construction combined with rain has left several areas muddy, slippery, and, in some cases, nearly impassable.
“The work is being executed at a painfully slow pace,” the complainant stated. “Heaps of soil are left unattended on the streets, and persistent rainfall has worsened the condition. Pedestrians and vehicles are unable to move freely, and residents struggle to enter or exit their homes.”
The situation is reportedly critical in several parts of the Agartala Municipal Corporation area. Residents have alleged that certain roads remain blocked for extended periods, causing traffic congestion, access issues for emergency services, and even accidents. The delay in construction has also led to a build-up of unsanitary conditions, compounding public health concerns.
In addition, the complainant pointed out an alarming practice where temporary wooden planks, used to cover the open drains during construction, are later discarded directly into the drains. This negligence not only obstructs the natural flow of wastewater but also heightens the risk of long-term sanitation and environmental hazards.
After thoroughly reviewing the complaint and assessing the severity of the disruption, the THRC acknowledged the issue as one of public importance, affecting a large section of the population, especially residents of AMC areas and commuters passing through the affected roads.
Justice Arindam Lodh, in his directive, noted that while infrastructural development is essential, it must not come at the cost of human rights and basic civic convenience. “The Commission has taken serious cognizance of the matter,” said the Chairperson. “Development should be people-centric, and authorities must ensure that such works are carried out in a planned and time-bound manner without infringing upon the basic rights of the citizens.”
This intervention by the THRC marks a significant step toward holding civic authorities accountable for the management and execution of urban development projects. It also reflects the growing public frustration over inadequate planning and execution of infrastructural works under Agartala Smart City Mission.
Citizens and civil society organizations have frequently pointed out that poor supervision, unscientific planning, and lack of coordination between departments have led to repeated delays in completion of civic projects. This instance of prolonged drain construction is now symbolic of larger concerns regarding governance, public accountability, and citizen welfare in Tripura’s capital.
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With the THRC now actively monitoring the case, residents are hopeful that the civic authorities will act promptly to address the concerns and expedite the construction process. The Commission’s intervention also opens the door for future public grievances to be brought forward in a more structured and legally recognized manner.
