By Firstdespatch Desk Apr 27, 2026
Agartala, Apr 27 (FD) In a significant development raising serious administrative and legal concerns, the Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has ordered the registration of a police case against former Agartala Smart City CEO Sailesh Kumar Yadav over the disappearance of key documents linked to the MBB College Lake pollution case.
The direction came during the hearing of Complaint No. 98 of 2025 on Monday, where the Commission, headed by Chairman Justice Arindam Lodh, took a stern view of missing records following the transfer of the IAS officer to Delhi on deputation last year. The THRC instructed that a case be lodged at West Agartala Police Station, underscoring concerns over administrative accountability and record management within Agartala Smart City Limited (ASCL).
Expressing serious concern, the Commission observed that the disappearance of crucial documents after the transfer of a government official is alarming and undermines the integrity of legal proceedings.
The THRC also sharply criticised ASCL for what it termed “dilatory tactics” in handling the case. Despite previously having access to relevant documents submitted by the complainant, the agency allegedly sought repeated adjournments citing missing records and even filed an RTI application to procure the same documents again. The Commission described the conduct as negligent and irresponsible, warning that ASCL could be held liable for compensation.
Submissions before the Commission revealed that Rudrasagar Lake is currently the only officially notified wetland in Tripura. However, a report prepared under the Wetland Authority of Tripura pointed to minor irregularities in the Smart City project at MBB College Lake, particularly concerning its impact on biodiversity following an inspection on August 29, 2025.
Counsel for the complainant alleged that MBB College Lake had earlier been recognised as a wetland but was removed from official records without due notification. It was further contended that the transfer of the lake project to the Agartala Municipal Corporation violated provisions of the Tripura Land Revenue Act, 1961.
Questions were also raised regarding the legality of a Memorandum of Understanding between ASCL and the Higher Education Department, with allegations that due procedures were not followed.
Highlighting the public interest nature of the case, the complainant pointed to the deteriorating ecological condition of the lake, alleging that ongoing construction under the Smart City project has adversely impacted the ecosystem, resulting in the death of aquatic life, including fish and snails.
Taking note of the broader implications, the Commission reiterated that environmental protection is a fundamental duty of the state and that ecological damage may amount to a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
The THRC granted a short adjournment to ASCL for further submissions. The next hearing is scheduled for April 28 at 11 am, with the case emerging as a key test of environmental governance and administrative accountability in the state. FD JK