By Firstdespatch Desk Jun 27, 2026
Agartala, June 27 (FD) Fresh allegations of illegal encroachment have surfaced over portions of the historic endowment land of Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) College, with residents of East Shibnagar urging the state government to take immediate steps to protect government land and a public pond near College Tilla from alleged unlawful occupation.
Residents of East Shibnagar and PN Deb Road, near the Health Centre, have submitted appeals to the District Magistrate, Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), the Mayor and Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, seeking urgent intervention to prevent further encroachment.
According to the residents, portions of the college's endowment land have allegedly been encroached upon over the years. They claimed that during the previous Left Front government, settlement rights over parts of the land were reportedly granted to individuals with political influence. They now allege that fresh attempts are being made to facilitate illegal occupation of the remaining land with political backing.
The residents further alleged that despite repeated complaints to the authorities, no effective action has been taken to remove encroachments. They claimed that parts of the endowment land had earlier been occupied in the name of clubs, temples, parks and other establishments, while the administration failed to prevent further illegal occupation.
A major concern raised by the residents relates to a government-owned pond located behind the College Tilla Police Station. They alleged that a portion of the waterbody has already been encroached upon, with residential structures recently coming up on the reclaimed land.
They also claimed that the pond has remained neglected for years, with no desiltation or restoration work undertaken despite repeated representations to the authorities. According to the residents, copies of earlier petitions and official acknowledgements have been submitted to the District Magistrate, AMC and other departments seeking protection and restoration of the waterbody.
Residents said they had also approached the local AMC corporator on several occasions but alleged that no meaningful action followed.
They further claimed that an attempt was made last year by some individuals to partially fill the pond after allegedly citing government approval. However, local residents resisted the move, preventing further encroachment.
Highlighting the ecological and civic importance of the pond, the residents said it plays a crucial role in rainwater drainage, mitigating urban flooding, and providing water during fire emergencies and preserving local biodiversity. They warned that continued neglect and encroachment could lead to the complete disappearance of the historic waterbody and urged the government to initiate immediate restoration and anti-encroachment measures.
No official response from the district administration or the Agartala Municipal Corporation was available at the time of filing this report. FD JK