By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 9, 2026
AGARTALA: A wave of uncertainty and despair has gripped the residents of the riverbank colony on Cantonment Road, Bhati Abhoynagar, following a stern eviction notice issued by the Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). The notice, which mandates the removal of all structures within seven days, has prompted the slum dwellers to seek the intervention of Mayor Dipak Majumder, citing their three-decade-long history at the site.
The eviction is part of the state government’s ambitious Howrah Riverfront Development & Beautification Project, aimed at de-silting the riverbed and transforming the embankment into a modern recreational and tourist zone.
The Notice: A Seven-Day Deadline
The SDM’s order, served early this week, categorizes the settlements as illegal encroachments on government land. The administration has clarified that the clearing of these areas is essential for:
- Riverbed De-silting: Deepening the Howrah River to prevent seasonal flooding in Agartala.
- Beautification: Construction of a riverfront walkway, parks, and solid waste management facilities under the Smart City Mission.
- Structural Safety: Preventing erosion of the riverbanks which has become a threat to nearby infrastructure.
“Where Will We Go?”: Residents Submit Deputation
Devastated by the short notice, a large group of residents—mostly daily wage earners, rickshaw pullers, and domestic workers—met with Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder today to submit a formal deputation.
Key Grievances of the Slum Dwellers:
- 30-35 Years of Residency: Many families presented documents claiming they have lived in the Bhati Abhoynagar slum for over three decades and have nowhere else to go.
- Lack of Rehabilitation: The residents alleged that the 7-day notice came without any offer of alternative housing or financial compensation.
- Short Deadline: The protesters argued that it is practically impossible to dismantle homes and find new shelter within a week, especially with children and elderly members.
Mayor’s Assurance Amidst Tensions
Addressing the emotional crowd, Mayor Dipak Majumder acknowledged their plight but also emphasized the necessity of the riverfront project for the city’s future.
”The Howrah Riverfront project is a dream project for Agartala, aimed at saving the city from floods and pollution. However, we are not heartless. I have listened to the grievances of the Bhati Abhoynagar residents. While the project must proceed, I will personally speak with the Sadar SDM and the District Magistrate to discuss the possibility of a rehabilitation package or at least an extension of the deadline for those who have been living there for decades,” the Mayor stated.
The “Smart City” Conflict
The Howrah Riverfront Development Project, worth over ₹100 crore, is seen as a flagship initiative to redefine Agartala’s identity. However, as the bulldozers prepare to move in, the human cost of urban modernization has become a focal point.
The slum dwellers have vowed to continue their “Gana Pratirodh” (Mass Resistance) if the administration attempts to demolish their homes without a concrete resettlement plan. With the TTAADC elections around the corner, opposition parties have also begun mobilizing in the area, turning the Cantonment Road eviction into a major socio-political flashpoint in the capital.
