By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 22, 2026
Agartala, Sept 22 (FD) Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the Haora Riverfront Development Project near Battala in Agartala, marking a significant step towards transforming the capital city into a modern, clean, green and citizen-friendly urban centre. Developed under the Smart City Mission, the project has been implemented at an estimated cost of around Rs 96 crore.
Speaking at the inauguration programme, Chief Minister Manik Saha said the Haora River has remained closely associated with Agartala’s history, culture, civilisation and civic life for generations. He said the riverfront project aims to protect the river while creating a vibrant public space where citizens of all age groups can spend their leisure time.
The newly developed riverfront covers an approximately 1,700-metre stretch from Steel Bridge to Dashamighat. According to officials, the project has transformed a riverbank that was previously used for dumping waste and garbage into a clean and attractive public area. The development also focuses on riverbank protection, environmental conservation, recreation and urban beautification.
Before the formal inauguration, the Chief Minister inspected various facilities at the riverfront and reviewed the infrastructure, civic amenities, riverbank protection and beautification works. Modern technologies, including gabion walls, micro-piles, geotextiles and toe walls, have been used to strengthen and protect the riverbank. The project also includes a five-year Annual Maintenance Contract.
The Haora Riverfront has been equipped with a range of recreational and civic facilities. These include walking paths, a dedicated cycling lane, viewing decks, an elevated walkway, an open gym, a yoga space and a zipline. A children’s playground, bird aviary, nature trail, food plaza and art and craft village have also been developed as part of the project.
Security arrangements have been strengthened through CCTV surveillance across the riverfront. The surveillance system will be monitored through the City Command and Control Centre. The facility will remain open to the public from morning until 9 pm every day.
Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted river conservation as one of the key objectives of the project. He said measures have also been taken to address riverbank erosion and waterlogging while improving the environmental quality and appearance of the surrounding area. He expressed hope that the riverfront would promote fitness, sports, recreation, social interaction and healthier lifestyles among residents.
The Chief Minister also appealed to citizens to keep the riverfront clean and reduce the use of plastic. He thanked the workers, engineers, officials, employees and agencies involved in completing the project.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder said the project is not merely an urban beautification initiative but also an important effort to conserve the Haora River and provide a new public space for residents. He said the project was implemented through cooperation between the Central and State governments under the supervision of Agartala Smart City Limited.
Majumder also highlighted the rehabilitation of 37 riverbank families at Radhanagar, including provisions for permanent housing, relocation expenses and livelihood support.
A documentary on the Haora Riverfront Development Project was screened during the programme. The Chief Minister and other guests also visited a blood donation camp organised by workers associated with the project.
Urban Development Department Secretary Dr. Milind Ramteke delivered the welcome address. MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, AMC Deputy Mayor Manika Das Datta, Chief Minister’s Secretary and other departments’ Secretary Kiran Gitte, AMC Commissioner Saju Vaheed A, Agartala Smart City Limited CEO G. Nayak and other officials were present at the programme. FD SB