By Firstdespatch Desk Oct 03, 2026
Agartala, Oct 3 (FD) 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 into a modern, clean, eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing city.
Speaking at the inauguration programme, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said the government was working continuously to develop Agartala and peripheral urban areas of Tripura through planned development, expansion of modern civic infrastructure and initiatives aimed at improving people’s quality of life.
He said urban development was not limited to the construction of infrastructure and concrete buildings but also involved protecting the natural balance of the city, conserving water bodies and creating better public spaces for residents.
According to the Chief Minister, several heritage ponds and water bodies in Agartala and other parts of the state had faced neglect, poor maintenance and encroachment in the past. The filling up and deterioration of water bodies had affected the environment and contributed to drainage-related problems, particularly during the monsoon.
He said that after the present government assumed office, efforts had been undertaken in coordination with the Agartala Municipal Corporation and concerned departments to identify important old water bodies and restore them.
The Ujan Abhoynagar Bazar pond has been renovated under the AMRUT 2.0 project. As part of the development, the area surrounding the pond has been paved and facilities including a walking path, lighting, seating benches and a green garden have been created.
Dr. Saha said the improvements had changed the appearance of the locality and created a more pleasant public space for residents, shoppers and others visiting the market. The facilities are also expected to provide a suitable environment for morning walks and evening relaxation.
The Chief Minister credited the combined efforts of the Central and state governments for supporting urban development initiatives in Tripura. Referring to the broader development of Agartala, he said several projects were being implemented to make the city more smart and liveable. These include modernisation of drainage infrastructure, construction of alternative roads to reduce traffic congestion, installation of solar-powered facilities and street lights, and conservation of parks and water bodies.
He added that similar development activities were being carried out in district headquarters, municipal council areas and Nagar Panchayats across the state.
Dr. Saha also appealed to citizens and local traders to take responsibility for protecting the newly developed public asset. He urged people not to throw plastic, thermocol or other waste into or around the pond and called for collective efforts to keep the area clean and pollution-free.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder said the pond had been renovated and beautified at a cost of more than Rs 3 crore under the Central Government’s AMRUT scheme. He said the water body had earlier faced problems related to illegal encroachment, garbage accumulation and environmental pollution.
According to Majumder, the initiative of the local corporator, along with support from the Chief Minister, helped facilitate the restoration and development of the pond.
The Mayor said that since the present Municipal Corporation took charge in 2021, priority had been given to improving roads, drainage systems, street lighting and public spaces across different wards. He also highlighted the activation of ward offices to make civic services more accessible to residents.
Ahead of the upcoming Sharodiya Durga Puja, the Municipal Corporation is also focusing on road repairs, traffic management and clearing footpaths of illegal encroachments, he said.
Majumder further said that the Chief Minister’s Cleanliness Award initiative had been introduced to encourage citizens, clubs and social organisations to participate in keeping Agartala clean. Work is also underway to restore around 24–25 old water bodies and parks in the city and develop them for tourism and recreational purposes.
Following the inauguration, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and other guests visited the renovated pond and inspected the walking path, greenery, lighting and other facilities. A documentary highlighting the renovation and beautification work was also screened during the programme.
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, public representatives and senior officials were also present.
The project marks another civic initiative focused on improving public spaces while preserving Agartala’s existing water bodies and strengthening the city’s urban infrastructure. FD SB