Tripura eviction drive: Hundreds of illegal settlements demolished

By Pinaki Das

Hundreds of illegal settlements occupying government land were cleared by the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) today. This was done to decongest Agartala city’s busy GB-Indranagar area and also ensure a flood-free city with proper drainage system.

Several houses and businesses constructed on either sides of the road that connect the main referral GB hospital via the Dhaleshwar bypass were demolished during the eviction drive.

A few of the affected people alleged that they were not served notice by the AMC or other competent authority about the eviction. They further alleged that adequate time was not given to remove their belongings and essentials, and the “sudden demolition drive” had incurred heavy losses and damages, which otherwise could have been “avoided”.

Mayor Dipak Majumder refuted the allegations and said, “This is totally false. Notice was served 7 days ago, public announcement was done too. Commissioner, corporator even myself had gone and repeatedly conveyed about this (eviction). Due to encroachment of roads, work have been hampered. We decided that traffic must be decongested in the larger GB area and accordingly the process has begun”.

The AMC Mayor also highlighted the significance of a proper drainage system while stating that waterlogging has become a serious issue over the time. The Mayor said, “Proper drainage system is very important since waterlogging happens within minutes of rainfall in this part of the city. And then people will blame the Municipal corporation and the government. So the government and the AMC have pledged that no waterlogging would be allowed to happen in the city and we will work towards it.”

The Agartala Municipal Corportation Mayor reiterated that the government is trying to clear encroachment and that people have been asked to vacate the demarcated areas within a period of 7 days.

Mayor Dipak Majumder affirmed, “We will decongest the city at any cost. We will not listen to anything else or pay heed to any barrier. Our work has begun already.”