Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the Ujan Abhoynagar Bazar pond beautification project, highlighting efforts to develop Agartala into a modern, eco-friendly and liveable city through improved urban infrastructure, restored water bodies, green spaces and citizen-focused development.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the comprehensive renovation, modernisation and beautification project of the heritage pond adjacent to Ujan Abhoynagar Bazar, highlighting the state government’s ongoing efforts to transform Agartala and peripheral urban areas into modern, eco-friendly and aesthetically attractive places.
Speaking at the inauguration programme, Chief Minister Manik Saha said the government’s urban development efforts are focused not only on creating infrastructure and concrete structures but also on improving the quality of life of citizens, preserving the natural balance of the city and ensuring planned and sustainable urban development.
The Chief Minister said several old ponds and water bodies in Agartala and other parts of Tripura had faced neglect, poor maintenance and unplanned development in the past. The deterioration and filling up of water bodies, he said, affected the natural environment and contributed to drainage-related problems, particularly during the monsoon.
According to the Chief Minister, since the present state government assumed office, efforts have been undertaken in coordination with the Agartala Municipal Corporation and concerned departments to identify important and heritage water bodies and restore them. The Ujan Abhoynagar Bazar pond is among the water bodies being developed as part of this broader initiative.
Under the AMRUT 2.0 project, the surroundings of the pond have been renovated and paved, while a walking path, lighting facilities, seating benches and a green garden have been developed. The facilities are intended to provide residents, shoppers and visitors with a cleaner and more pleasant public space for morning walks, evening relaxation and recreation.
The Chief Minister said the beautification project has changed the overall appearance of the area and created a more attractive civic environment. He also stressed the importance of developing Agartala as a smart and liveable city through coordinated infrastructure projects.
Referring to the role of the Central and state governments, Manik Saha expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and said joint efforts have opened new opportunities for urbanisation and improved connectivity in Tripura. He said several initiatives are being implemented in Agartala, including modernisation of drainage systems, construction of alternative roads to reduce traffic congestion, installation of solar-powered facilities and street lights, and conservation of parks and water bodies.
The Chief Minister added that similar development activities are being carried out beyond Agartala, covering district headquarters, municipal council areas and Nagar Panchayat areas across Tripura.
Emphasising the importance of public participation, Saha said the government is creating and dedicating development projects for public use, but maintaining these assets is also a shared responsibility. He appealed to local traders, residents and other stakeholders to cooperate in keeping the pond and its surroundings clean and pollution-free.
He specifically urged citizens not to throw plastic, thermocol or other waste into the pond or in the surrounding areas. Maintaining cleanliness, he said, would help preserve the newly developed public space and ensure that citizens can continue to benefit from it.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder said the Ujan Abhoynagar Bazar pond had been renovated, restored and beautified at a cost of more than Rs 3 crore under the Central Government’s AMRUT scheme. He said the water body had long faced problems related to illegal encroachment, garbage accumulation and environmental pollution.
According to Majumder, the pond could be transformed into a modern and usable public space through the initiative of the local corporator and support from the Chief Minister. He said the Agartala Municipal Corporation, since taking charge in 2021, has prioritised road development, drainage improvement, street lighting and the renovation of abandoned parks and water bodies across different wards.
The Mayor also highlighted the activation of ward offices to make civic services more accessible to residents. With Sharodiya Durga Puja approaching, he said attention is also being given to road repairs, traffic management and clearing footpaths of illegal encroachments.
Majumder further said the ‘Chief Minister’s Cleanliness Award’ initiative has been introduced to encourage citizens, local clubs and social organisations to participate in keeping Agartala clean and pollution-free.
He added that work is underway to restore around 24–25 old water bodies and parks in Agartala and develop them as spaces for tourism, recreation and public use.
| Also Read: Tripura CM inspects new Kshetrmohan S.B. School building construction |
At the beginning of the programme, Chief Minister Manik Saha unveiled the inauguration plaque before visiting the newly refurbished water body along with other guests. They inspected the development work, including the walking path, greenery, lighting and other facilities created around the pond. A documentary highlighting the renovation and beautification work was also screened during the event.
| Also Read: West Tripura prepares for Seva Jyoti Yatra with coordinated planning |
Additional Commissioner of the Agartala Municipal Corporation Mihir Kanti Gope delivered the welcome address. Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, Corporators Hiralal Debnath and Pradip Chanda, Commissioner Saju Wahid A, other elected representatives and officials were also present.
The Ujan Abhoynagar pond project is being presented as part of the broader effort to combine urban infrastructure development with environmental conservation and improved public spaces in Agartala.
