CRACKDOWN ON CONGESTION: AMC Launches Intensive Eviction Drive from Post Office Chowmuhani to Shakuntala Road
Agartala | February 6, 2026 Reported by: Tripura 24 News Desk
The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) intensified its mission to declutter the state capital today with a massive anti-encroachment drive. The operation targeted the city’s primary commercial artery, stretching from Post Office Chowmuhani through Hariganga Basak Road and into the heavily congested Shakuntala Road.
Reclaiming Footpaths for Pedestrians
The drive, conducted by the AMC Task Force in coordination with the Traffic Police, aimed to address long-standing complaints regarding the shrinking space for pedestrians and the resulting gridlocks. For months, unauthorized extensions of shops and makeshift stalls had swallowed up the footpaths, forcing citizens to walk on the main roads amidst heavy traffic.
Key Actions of the Operation:
- Seizure of Encroached Goods: Items displayed by traders beyond their shop boundaries—including clothing racks, electronics, and furniture—were seized by municipal workers.
- Removal of Illegal Structures: Temporary tin sheds and wooden platforms built over drains and footpaths were dismantled on the spot.
- Focus on Hariganga Basak Road: This vital stretch, known for its high footfall, saw a systematic clearing of roadside vendors who had narrowed the driving lane, causing significant delays for public transport.
“Smart City Means a Disciplined City”
AMC officials present at the site reiterated that while the corporation supports local commerce, it cannot be at the expense of public safety and hygiene. The drive follows a series of warnings issued by the Mayor’s office to local merchant associations.
“Our objective is not to harass small traders, but to ensure that the city breathes,” an AMC representative stated during the drive. “Illegal encroachments are not just a nuisance; they are a safety hazard, blocking access for emergency vehicles like fire tenders and ambulances. This mission will continue until every major road in Agartala is clear.”
Public and Trader Response
The operation drew mixed reactions from the local community:
- Commuters: Thousands of daily travelers welcomed the move, noting that the clearance has significantly reduced the time taken to navigate from the Post Office to the market area.
- Traders: While some shopkeepers cooperated, a section of small-scale vendors expressed concern over their livelihoods, urging the government to expedite the creation of designated “Vending Zones.”
The AMC has warned that any merchant found re-occupying the cleared spaces will face heavy fines and the potential cancellation of their trade licenses.
