Tripura CM Manik Saha inaugurates the Rs 33 crore ADB-funded MBB College Lake Rejuvenation Project in Agartala, transforming a degraded area into a 31-acre green space with eco-friendly design, modern facilities, and vibrant community attractions.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday inaugurated the Rs 33.08 crore Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) College Lake Rejuvenation Project in Agartala. The ambitious initiative, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has completely transformed a once-degraded and crime-prone area into one of Tripura’s largest and most vibrant green public spaces.
The project, implemented under the Agartala Smart City Mission, spans 31 acres and has turned the historic MBB College Lake and its surroundings into a model of environmental rejuvenation, cultural integration, and modern urban design.
According to Agartala Smart City Ltd CEO Shailesh Kumar Yadav, the project began in 2023 with the goal of reclaiming the neglected lake area that had once been a hotspot for anti-social activities. “Earlier, this area was infamous for criminal incidents, including cases where bodies were discovered around the lake. Today, it stands as a symbol of transformation and civic pride,” Yadav said.
He emphasized that the project focused primarily on basic infrastructure development while conserving the lake’s natural water resources. The redeveloped zone now includes public seating areas, landscaped gardens, open green spaces, and multiple amenities designed for community recreation and tourism.
To ensure safety and order, the area is under round-the-clock surveillance with 60 CCTV cameras, all linked to the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). Entry to the complex is regulated, allowing access only to those with valid entry passes. Additionally, facilities have been created to attract migratory birds, enriching the ecological diversity of the site.
Yadav also noted that the cultural and religious traditions of both tribal and non-tribal communities have been thoughtfully incorporated into the lake’s design and layout, symbolizing Tripura’s unique heritage and harmony.
Urban Development Department Secretary Abhishek Singh, who also chairs the Agartala Smart City Ltd, said the rejuvenated lake now boasts a 3-km-long walking circuit, flanked by over 70,000 newly planted trees and shrubs. “The project has not only improved air quality and biodiversity but also enhanced the city’s aesthetic appeal,” Singh said. He further mentioned that other Smart City projects — such as the Haora River Front Development Project — are progressing rapidly, aiming to make Agartala a cleaner and greener capital.
Officials highlighted that the oxygen level in the lake water has improved considerably due to the restoration works, ensuring a healthier aquatic ecosystem.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder informed that the corporation has successfully rejuvenated 25 abandoned ponds across the city at a cost of Rs 106 crore, contributing significantly to Agartala’s environmental sustainability efforts.
While addressing the inauguration gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha praised the ADB-backed project as a model of sustainable urban rejuvenation that harmonizes ecology with community welfare. “This project blends natural beauty with modern urban amenities, creating a space for both relaxation and recreation. It stands as a testament to our commitment to building a clean, green, and livable Agartala,” Saha said.
The redeveloped lake now features walking tracks, yoga and meditation zones, and facilities for water sports, alongside sections that highlight the cultural and religious diversity of Tripura. Dr. Saha added that apart from environmental benefits, the project has also generated employment for local residents through maintenance, tourism, and small business opportunities.
Describing the rejuvenated MBB College Lake as a “must-visit destination,” Dr. Saha remarked:
“Experience the breathtaking beauty of Agartala’s MBB College Lake, transformed into a vibrant space with an investment of Rs 33.08 crore. This stunning site now blends nature, modern amenities, and eco-friendliness, offering a unique experience for visitors.”
Tripura State BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee also attended the event, praising the government’s consistent efforts toward sustainable development and urban beautification.
| Also Read: Tripura CM slams CPI-M and TMC for “Living in Social Media Fantasy” |
| Also Read: THRC probes illegal construction at College Tilla Lake in Agartala |
As Agartala continues its journey under the Smart City Mission, the MBB College Lake Rejuvenation Project stands out as a symbol of the state’s commitment to ecological preservation, cultural celebration, and community-driven progress.
